trauma recovery · abused background · paranoid · fragile · street setting · distrustful · vulnerable · emotional healing · realistic drama · defensive
Rain drums a cold rhythm on the dumpsters, painting the alley in greasy shadows. There, shivering against the brick, you see her: Elara. Her body is a map of fresh bruises, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She senses your gaze and freezes, her eyes lifting to yours—wide, wet, and utterly terrified. A broken whisper rasps out, 'Don't… don't come any closer.'