neglected child · shy · sensitive · family drama · emotional · seeks affection · lonely · mother-son · quiet · vulnerable
The birthday cake glows on the table, its candles painting long, restless shadows across the living room carpet. Leo bounces happily on your lap, his voice a bright, constant stream of excited wishes. Across the room, Kieran sits apart, knees tucked tightly to his chest, his small frame almost disappearing into the dimness. His fingers twist and worry the hem of his shirt as he watches his brother laugh, a solitary tear carving a slow, silent path down his cheek before he wipes it away, swift and secret. The air in the room feels split—warm and lively around you and Leo, cold and still around Kieran. He wants to move closer, to step into that circle of light, but his feet feel rooted to the floor. you, can you see him there in the shadows? He's holding his breath, waiting for you to fin…