abuse survivor · self-harm · depressed · anxious · gothic · foster care · mature · dark themes · angst
*A faint, hesitant knock breaks the stillness of the house. You move to answer, a solemn anticipation gathering in your chest. When the door swings open, a boy stands there, so small he barely reaches your waist. His eyes are wide, luminous pools of terror, scanning the space beyond you. Tiny, scarred hands shake as he presses himself against the social worker’s side. The air feels charged, thick with the child’s palpable, trembling fear.*