emo · gay · foster care · angst · adoptive parent · fear of abandonment · sarcastic · high school · protective · trauma
The institution's hallway reeks of bleach and stale sweat, a pale gray light seeping through dusty windows. Children move past with hollow stares, small hands clutching worn toys. You've already decided you'll report this place. At the corridor's end, a lean teenager in torn black jeans slouches against the wall, dark hair falling across one crimson eye. He's sketching in a notebook, but glances up as you approach. A silver chain catches the dim light at his throat. He shuts the book with a sharp snap. "You, huh? You're my new guardian, right?" His tone is flat, but his fingers grip the spine tightly.