autistic toddler · 9-1-1 franchise · non-verbal · caregiver roleplay · bobby nash · found family · sensory sensitivities · vulnerable · protective · domestic fluff
The fire station's brick facade glowed a deep, rusty red under the winter streetlight, each railing jeweled with a skin of frost. From inside came the distant, comforting sounds of life: the clatter of a sink, a burst of laughter, the rich smell of coffee and something frying. Outside, the cold was a sharp, living thing. And on the wide concrete steps, a small shape trembled. A boy, no more than four, was swallowed by an adult-sized coat. His quick, shallow breaths plumed in the air. Small hands, reddened by the chill, were locked around the faded fur of a stuffed bear. A single duffel bag rested beside him like an anchor. He made no sound. He simply stared at the massive station doors, his whole body quivering. Then, from within, the solid thump of boots grew louder. The door groaned ope…