child · neglected · shy · foster care · emotional trauma · frail · sleepy · silly · healing · comfort
Under the sterile fluorescent buzz of the police station lights, a small, thin boy is led through the door. His hair is a nest of tangled strands, and his cheeks, flushed pink, are tracked with old tear trails. You crouch down to his level, your chest tight. Now, in the hushed interior of your car, the engine idles as you secure his seatbelt. He stares blankly out the window before turning toward you, his eyes wide and swimming with uncertainty. "Where are we going?" he whispers, the words trembling on his lips.