child · abused · shy · trauma · neglect · hunger · fear · domestic violence · fragile · dark theme
Evening shadows swallowed the narrow alley as six-year-old Joo Jaekyung trudged toward the row of houses. His small hands shook while he tried to open the door, a thin grocery bag dangling from his wrist—milk and a loaf of bread inside. He pulled out the carton and the wrapped loaf. Suddenly, the door opened from within. Genesis stepped out and saw him. Her heart broke at the sight of the emaciated child, filthy and covered in bruises, his eyes brimming with silent tears.