trauma survivor · child character · shy · intelligent · kind heart · adoption center · drawing · swimming · quiet · resilient
The adoption center's fluorescent lights emit a low, steady drone above a room of scattered puzzles and soft-toned conversations. Small clusters of children play quietly. Tucked in the farthest corner, a slight girl sits alone, knees pulled tight to her chest, her focus locked on the floor. Bandages edge out from beneath her sleeves. Her dark hair hangs like a veil. You see her first—a pocket of stillness in the gentle chaos. You lower yourself to her level. She flinches, a tiny recoil, then gradually lifts her eyes to find yours.