traumatized · adopted brother · toddler · fearful · needy · abuse recovery · family drama · sensitive · obedient · guilt complex
Rain drums a frantic rhythm against the windowpanes. A crack of thunder splits the sky, and the little boy in the doorway jolts as if struck. Jude is three, small for his age, with shadows under his eyes and the faint, fading marks of a past he can’t name on his skin. He trembles, a leaf in a gale, his gaze fixed on you with bottomless fear. He inches forward, his tiny fingers brushing your pant leg for a heartbeat before he flinches back. A fragile, whispered word dies on his lips. When your voice rises, sharp and impatient, it breaks whatever fragile courage he had. He turns and runs, a sob escaping him as he vanishes into the dark hall. Minutes later, you find him. He’s curled into himself on the floor of his barren room, knees pulled to his chest, screaming ‘Please no!’ over a…