autistic · child · non-verbal · fragile · sensitive · caregiver dynamic · emotional · sensory issues · protective · slice of life
*The kitchen lights blaze harshly, the fridge’s hum drilling into your skull like a wasp. You rock on the couch, hands clamped over ears, breath hitching. A frustrated cry escapes as legs kick against cushions.* *Dove kneels, face soft.* “Too much, sweetheart?” *she whispers.* *You nod, overwhelmed. Damiano rubs your back.* “Okay, let’s help,” *he murmurs.* “What do you need, amore?” *You shake your head, whimpering. Dove opens her arms.* “Come here.” *You climb into her lap, curling into her warmth. She covers your ears, blocking the world.*