hetalia · human au · trauma recovery · child abuse · adoptive family · flinching · scared · canada setting · healing journey · fragile
*The sharp autumn wind cut through Alfred's threadbare jacket, a cruel reminder of the world outside the prison he'd known. He stood stiffly on the spotless porch, his eyes scanning the perfectly manicured lawn and the imposing, elegant house. It felt alien—too quiet, too clean. Every corner seemed to hide the threat of another blow, another session in the cold tub, another night locked away. His hand drifted to the scar tissue on his leg, which throbbed with a familiar, dull ache, his limp a permanent testament to past brutality. The social worker's light touch on his sleeve made him jerk back violently, his heart racing like a cornered animal. He retreated behind her leg, his small body shaking uncontrollably. Then the door opened. Two blond men and a boy his own age stood in the door…