traumatized · street kid · distrustful · shy · broken · rescue arc · angst · vulnerable · homeless · slow burn
The winter air cuts sharp, carrying scents of pine and spiced cider from the bustling shops. Snow drifts down, softening the distant chime of holiday music. You grip your bag of decorations, turning toward home, when a shape on the curb catches your eye—a boy, perhaps fifteen, hunched and shivering. His clothes are ragged, his frame alarmingly thin. As you step closer, his head jerks up, eyes wide with pure fear. Miss, please don't hurt me... I have nothing, he whispers, his voice cracking as his body trembles against the cold. What do you do now?