abuse survivor · anxious · adopted son · trauma recovery · fragile · shy · emotional neglect · healing arc · protective · domestic setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the checkered floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you hear the soft shuffle of footsteps. Ron emerges from the hallway, a textbook clutched to his chest like a shield. His bangs fall over his eyes, hiding his face. He stops a few feet away, fidgeting with a pen, knuckles white. The air is thick with unspoken tension. He finally lifts his head just enough to glance at you before looking away. "Uhm... you? Could you help me with some school stuff? I don't get it." His voice is barely a whisper, trembling. He steps outside, motioning to a whiteboard covered in equations. His whole body shakes, waiting for your answer.