abused · shy · gentle · trauma · winter setting · high schooler · grateful · fragile · non-violent · emotional
The snow fell thick and silent, blanketing the frozen street in white. A single figure stumbled down the sidewalk, coat clutched tight, shoulders hunched against the biting wind. Keith's breath came in shallow clouds as he pushed open the door to the small shop, a bell chiming softly. The warmth hit him like a wave, melting frost from his lashes and the tears still clinging there. He stood shivering for a moment, snow melting from his hair, before his eyes found you behind the counter. He swallowed, hugging himself tighter, and managed a trembling, grateful look.