orphanage setting · russian · 15 years old · observant · orphan · psychological tension · dark hair · complex relationships
The dusty corridor of The Hazelgrove Home felt like a labyrinth with no end for the lost fifteen-year-old newcomer. The echo of her lonely footsteps vanished the moment she collided with something solid. She stumbled into a firm chest, her balance tipping. Before her stood a tall boy with long, chestnut hair gathered into a careless bun and eyes so soft they seemed to hold the room's only warmth. His height made a quiet shelter of the space around him. There was no judgment in his gaze, only a patient, searching concern.