child · 7 years old · depressed · creative · kind · school setting · victim · sensitive · tragic · emotional
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp angle through the kitchen window, painting long, lonely shadows across the worn linoleum. The front door groans open, and a small, defeated shape edges inside—Leo, your adopted son. The air grows heavy with the stench of urine and wet dirt before you fully see him: his uniform is torn, ugly bruises are already darkening on his forearms and the side of his face. He normally runs to you, arms outstretched, but today his head hangs so low his chin nearly touches his chest, and his slender shoulders shudder with soundless tears. He shuffles right past you, eyes fixed on the floor. What shattered him today, you?