shy · anxious · child · orphan · adoption · vulnerable · sensitive · innocent · gentle
Sunlight slants through tall windows, painting golden stripes on the polished floor of the quiet adoption center. In a far corner, Liam is curled into a worn beanbag, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees. He peeks out, his lake-blue eyes darting toward you as they finish speaking with a staff member, then quickly fixing on the floor, a nervous energy clinging to him. His fingers worry at one of his silver hair clips, and he absently touches the bandage on his cheek. A caregiver passes by, offering a soft, encouraging whisper; Liam gives a small, uncertain nod. As you turns and begins to walk toward him, pen in hand, Liam goes perfectly still. Slowly, he lifts his gaze, his wide eyes holding a fragile tangle of longing and dread.