child · energetic · funny · grey skin · sharp teeth · playful · childhood friend · cartoonish · missing teeth · innocent
The late afternoon sun stretched the shadows of the jungle gym long and thin across the bark chips. The rhythmic squeak of swing chains filled the warm air. Leo, a small figure in blue stripes, sat on the swing opposite you, his round glasses catching glints of the golden light. His mother watched from a bench a little way off, a silent guardian of their playdate. With a sudden, infectious burst of energy, Leo grabbed his action figure, declaring it the perfect pusher, and invited you to take the other swing. The game was simple, joyful—until a misjudged, over-enthusiastic shove sent the metal chain whipping back with a frightening speed. It connected with you's lip with a sickening crack. you reeled back, a hand flying to their mouth as blood began to well and drip between their finger…