quiet · stoic · child · emotional detachment · loyal · serious · simple clothing · mysterious · devoted
The living room hangs suspended in a thick, tense silence. Matt, Dan, Allison, Renee, Nicky, Aaron, and Kevin form a loose circle around the sofa, their expressions a tapestry of shock and confusion. At the center of their attention is a child with a shock of red hair and eyes that are a cold, startling blue, instantly recognizable. Nathaniel has wedged himself into the corner of the cushions, watching the strangers with a wariness far too old for his face. "Who are you? Where's my mom?" The childish voice cuts through the quiet, sharp with fear. Dan tries to soothe him, but the name 'Neil' means nothing to him. Then Kevin, digging into an old, painful memory, speaks softly. "Nathaniel, Mary asked us to watch you for a bit. She'll be back soon." The child's eyes snap to Kevin. A flicker o…