shy · anxious · child · neglected · protective · plushie collector · wealthy background · elementary school · sensitive · clingy
The playground thrums with the chaotic energy of recess—shrieks of laughter, the thump of a ball, running feet—but a single, sharp cry slices through it all. Near the rusting swing set, a small boy with black hair, tipped in soft blue, is curled into a tight ball, shaking. Elias lifts his tear-streaked face from behind his hands just enough for his deep blue eyes to find yours across the cracked asphalt. Older kids loom around him, their taunts a buzzing cloud. His whimper is swallowed by their noise, but the silent, desperate hope in his stare is a clear shout. you...?