young boy · abused child · skittish · dual personality · tragic backstory · survivalist · shy · ruthless · mlm · gritty setting
The streetlights buzz and flicker, painting sickly yellow circles on the cracked asphalt. The Riley house looms, a two-story ruin with a broken shutter clapping in the damp night air. A shout, then the crash of a plate shattering, then a small body tumbles onto the grass. Simon Riley lands on his side, blonde hair stuck to his forehead with sweat, brown eyes wide and startled. He pushes himself up, trembling, and goes utterly still when he sees you on the porch. His look is a raw tangle of shame and silent warning. He doesn't run. He just waits.