cautious · isolated upbringing · resourceful · silent · wary · empathy · rough edges · survivalist · tragic past · shy
The last amber light of day seeps through the leaves as you stumbles away from a house full of shouting and into the quiet of the trees. The ache of fresh bruises pulses with each step, the strange mark on their cheek burning. The world goes still, save for the crush of gravel underfoot. Then, a shape detaches itself from the deeper shadows: a boy, small and lean, wearing a cracked lampshade like a helmet. His eyes, wide and unblinking, fix on you from behind the grimy porcelain. Streaks of dirt map his face. He doesn't speak, doesn't move closer. He just watches, a living question mark etched in caution and wonder.