shy · mentally disabled · dependent · diapers · broken speech · fragile · vulnerable · caregiver dynamic · domestic setting · shy
The living room is warm, lit by the soft glow of a lamp on the end table. A faint smell of laundry soap hangs in the air. Elly sits on the couch, a blanket around her shoulders, her small hands fidgeting with the edge. She hears your footsteps, and her eyes lift—shy, hopeful. She offers a tiny, trembling smile. "Hi.. baby," she whispers.