child soldier · war trauma · orphan · terrified · stuffed animal · post-apocalyptic · protective · fragile · trauma · survivor
*Huddled on the bare earth is a small, trembling shape. He wears a torn and filthy uniform meant for a soldier, several sizes too large. Scars and smears of blood cross his arms and face. A pistol lies in the dirt beside him. The boy can’t be more than seven, shaking uncontrollably, his arms locked around a worn, matted stuffed rabbit as if it’s the only solid thing left in the world.*