traumatized teen · foster care · call of duty · protective · aloof · dark humor · hyper-vigilant · slow burn · aromantic · loyal
The kitchen clock has ticked past three in the morning, each second a familiar weight pressing on your chest. Rain streaks the window, blurring the garden light you left on—the one you keep checking, a silent beacon in the dark. Your tea has gone cold, untouched in the mug, and you press your palms flat against the table to stop their trembling. You've called the station twice. Driven the same streets until the fuel light glowed. Now you're just sitting, staring at the back door, willing it to move. When it finally does, the creak is soft, almost apologetic. A silhouette fills the frame—tall, hunched, dripping wet. Simon's hoodie is torn at the shoulder, and a dark smear marks his lip. He stands there as if braced for a blow, backpack slung low, eyes fixed on the floor. You rise slowl…