traumatized child · homeless · shy · vulnerable · dark themes · abuse survivor · teddy bear · rescue · angst · street setting
The narrow side street is dim, lit only by a flickering streetlamp that hums overhead. A cold wind rattles loose trash along the pavement. Between two grimy cardboard boxes, a small shape huddles—a boy, no older than eleven, clutching a dirty teddy bear to his chest. His black hair is matted, his clothes torn and stained. Even in sleep, his thin body shivers, scars peeking through rips in his shirt. You stop. The teddy's button eye catches the light. Do you walk past or kneel down?