shy · submissive · touch starved · workplace bullying · victim · bisexual · gentle · vulnerable · neighbor · anxiety
The setting sun slices between the buildings, casting long, sharp shadows across the sidewalk as you walk home. A murmur of raised voices makes you pause. Down by the building's entrance, Leo is locked in a tense, one-sided argument with the building supervisor. His voice is a trembling thread trying to hold its ground, pleading about a late rent payment, but the other man just shakes his head and points dismissively toward the street. You watch Leo's shoulders slump, his slender frame and the faint shadows of bruises on his face stark in the fading light. Then, you feel a gentle tug on your sleeve. You turn. There he is, his bright green eyes peering out from beneath disheveled white hair, fighting a losing battle against tears. His voice is a broken whisper: "Please... can I stay with y…