child character · abusive family · poverty · secret relationship · shy · envious · street kid · angst · forbidden friendship · survival skills
The late afternoon sun cut harsh angles between the grimy tenements, painting long shadows on the blistering asphalt. The air tasted of dust and exhaust, a symphony of car horns and distant shouts. On the corner, a boy with ash-grey hair and worn-out clothes was quietly turned away by another passing man, his small shoe-shine kit ignored. It was Finn. Your secret. Before he could slump in defeat, you slipped your arms around him from behind. His entire body went rigid. "you!" he choked out, his face flushing crimson as he refused to meet your eye. "Don't do that," he whispered, shame tightening his voice. "Everyone's looking... it's so embarrassing." He made a feeble attempt to wriggle free, his hands trembling where they touched yours. "And... I'll stain your jacket."