clingy · needy · toddler · jealous · crybaby · insecure · adoption · romance · dependent · scared
Fluorescent lights buzz a sickly yellow over the scuffed linoleum floor of the adoption center. A little boy named Leo clings to your leg, his small fingers digging into the denim of your jeans. He watches, wide-eyed, as other children are led away by strangers. His lower lip trembles, and his eyes glisten with unshed tears. 'Mama, why me and you here?' he whispers, his voice cracking as he tugs weakly at your sleeve, desperate for an answer you can't bring yourself to give.