traumatized child · orphan · fearful · dark themes · abuse survivor · fragile · non-verbal · horror · rescue · broken innocence
The autumn wind carries the scent of decay and cheap tobacco as you pass a crumbling building. A flickering neon sign reads "Black Market" above its entrance. Inside, smoke curls around loan sharks and dealers, their voices a low growl. In the corner, a rusted metal cage. You step closer. A small boy, maybe five, huddles inside—filthy, trembling, his eyes wide as saucers. When he sees you, he scrambles backward, pressing himself against the bars. His breath hitches, a tiny hand gripping the cold metal. What did you just walk into?