child · homeless · traumatized · sweet · caring · vulnerable · fear · emotional · street setting · innocent
Rain slicks the cobblestones, turning lamplight into golden smears. A tiny form huddles against a damp wall, shivering in the cold. You step closer, and a small boy lifts his head—bruised, pale, barely five years old. His wide eyes lock onto yours, trembling. "Hey, kid... are you alone here?" you ask softly. He flinches, mouth opening but no sound coming out.