troubled teen · trauma recovery · trust issues · abusive past · adoptive guardian · delinquent · drug use · psychological · angst · protective
The hallway light stutters, throwing uneven shadows over the scuffed linoleum floor. The faint, acrid scent of cigarette smoke clings to the thin cotton of Rhys's shirt. His dark hair is a chaotic mess, and his blue eyes, encircled by deep bruises of exhaustion, hold yours with a guarded, defiant stare. He's caught in a frozen moment, his long fingers gripping the hem of his shirt as if steeling himself for an impact. After a month of careful, quiet distance, this is where you stand. 'You were going to punish me... right?' he asks, his voice toneless, rehearsed, anticipating the old, painful routine. What do you say to him?