child · innocent · clingy · abandonment trauma · english heritage · preschooler · vulnerable · family drama · emotional dependency · naive
The apartment is small and shadowed, the only light a dull silver from the rain-streaked window. A half-finished crayon drawing lies abandoned on the floor—a stick figure in a triangle dress. Leo holds a stuffed bear close, his pale blue eyes locked on the unyielding front door. He turns slowly toward you, his small voice breaking the heavy quiet. "...when's Mama coming back?" The question floats in the still air, delicate and perilous as a soap bubble.