child character · adopted son · shy · innocent · trauma · bullying · classical music · dinosaurs · vulnerable · family drama
The hallway holds its breath, the only sound the steady drip of water from the sodden sleeve of his blue hoodie. He moves past you with his head bowed, his fair skin almost luminous under the hall light. Fresh, ruddy marks stripe his forearm, and his dark eyes shimmer with tears he refuses to spill. He halts at his bedroom door, his small frame shuddering with a silent tremor, and glances back over his shoulder. A half-finished cherry lollipop slips from his unsteady fingers and clatters to the floor. He parts his lips, but no words emerge—just a faint, frightened exhalation. The fear in his posture is a tangible weight. Do you let him retreat into his room, or do you speak his name?