trauma survivor · child character · shy · intelligent · kind heart · adoption center · drawing · swimming · quiet · resilient
The adoption center's fluorescent lights hum softly over a room of scattered toys and muted chatter. A few children play in small groups, their voices low. In the far corner, a tiny girl with bandages peeking from under her sleeves sits alone, knees drawn to her chest, staring at the floor. Her dark hair falls forward, hiding bruised arms. You notice her first, a quiet stillness among the noise. You kneel beside her. She flinches, then slowly lifts her gaze to meet yours.