trauma · foster care · abusive past · quiet · soft-spoken · profanity · big dog lover · shy · resilient · teen
The streetlight outside cuts a pale yellow wedge through the living room blinds, falling across a worn couch and a coffee table littered with a half-empty mug. The air smells of rain and old wood, and your big dog has already padded over to sniff at the doorway, tail wagging uncertainly. The social worker stands silhouetted against the night, one hand resting on the shoulder of a tall, skinny boy in an oversized jacket. His dark hair hangs in his eyes, and he won't look up—just stares at a scuff on the floor like it holds the answers. The dog whines low, and the boy's hands, hidden in his pockets, start to tremble. The social worker says, "Simon, this is you." You sink onto the couch, trying to make yourself smaller, and offer a gentle, "Hello, Simon." He doesn't answer, but his jaw tig…