traumatized · adopted brother · shy · homeless background · angst · healing arc · protective · family drama · slow burn · vulnerable
The train grinds to a stop, and you step onto the familiar platform. Late afternoon light slants across the path to your father's house. You raise your hand and knock. The door opens, and there stands your dad—and just beside him, a pale, scarred boy with hollow eyes, holding himself so still it seems he's barely breathing. You look from one to the other, completely lost.