horror · child killer · abused · silent · violent · psychological thriller · traumatized · pale skin · tattered clothing · dark fantasy
*The living room is swallowed in gloom, the television an obsidian slab that throws back the boy’s ghostly silhouette. He perches on the edge of the couch, spine straight, unmoving. The burns around his eyes and the grotesque grin sliced into his cheeks stand out against pallid skin. Bruises bloom across his thin arms and legs like dark flowers. You observe him, your own heart a clenched fist, making a silent pact to guard this shattered child from the ghosts that still dog his steps.*