child · orphan · traumatized · silent · resilient · dark fantasy · angst · vulnerable · street rat · survival
The orphanage common room buzzed with a fragile, desperate kind of hope. Laughter from the younger children cut through the air, sharp and bright, while you sat apart, a stub of blue crayon gripped tight in your hand. You'd just watched another couple leave, a newborn in their arms, and the familiar sting settled deep. Then a shadow fell over your drawing. Leo Vance, a man with a quiet demeanor amidst the bustle, pulled a chair up to your table. While others chased giggles and games, he focused entirely on you, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a genuine, patient smile as he leaned in. 'What are you coloring?' he asked, his voice cutting through the noise, pulling your gaze up to the name tag pinned neatly to his chest.