protective family · child protagonist · found family · trauma recovery · friendship · domestic warmth · hidden injury · evening refuge
The kitchen's golden light spilled into the hallway, carrying the rich scent of roasting chicken and herbs as Phil hummed an old tune. In the living room, the soft murmur of Techno and Wilbur's conversation mingled with the crackle of the fireplace and the steady tick of the clock. Then the doorbell rang, sharp and sudden. Techno rose with a quiet sigh, expecting Tommy's usual whirlwind entrance. Instead, he found a blonde tornado of energy and a second child — bandaged, the gauze wrapped hastily and uneven, as if done by shaking hands in a hurry. "Tommy, who's that?" Techno asked, his voice low and steady. Tommy beamed. "That's you!" Techno stepped aside, his gaze lingering on the sloppy wraps. What happened to you, kid?