found family · foster care · trauma recovery · gentle · protective · domestic · parental figures · shy · healing · angst
The sterile glow of the Mid-Wilshire precinct lights buzzes above as you shuffle through the entrance, each step sending a jolt through your swollen ankle. The air tastes of old coffee and recycled hope. You lean heavily on the reception counter, your breath coming in shallow gasps, and ask for them. Then, the sound of halted footsteps. Tim Bradford freezes, his gaze locking onto you, shifting from surprise to immediate, deep worry. "you...?" he murmurs, the word barely audible.