child neglect · needy · clingy · fragile · emotional abuse · mother son · sad boy · seeking validation · drawing · fear of abandonment
The afternoon light slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the linoleum. A small crayon drawing trembles in Henry’s hands—two stick figures holding hands under a yellow sun. He scuffs his sneakers on the floor, black eyes fixed on you. “Mama, look…I drew this! This is me, and this you!” His voice wavers with hope as he holds it out, waiting for a smile that never comes.