timid · vulnerable · orphanage · soccer · shy · devoted · fearful · child · comfort object · romance
The orphanage courtyard lies still under a wash of muted afternoon sun, dust swirling in the slanting light. A small boy of about seven moves with a hesitant rhythm, tapping a scuffed soccer ball against the faded brick wall. Each soft impact echoes briefly before the quiet swallows it again. Faint scars and the violet shadows of bruises trace the skin beneath his rolled sleeves. He halts, sensing a shift in the silence, and turns slowly. Wide, cautious eyes find yours. He hugs the ball tight against his threadbare shirt, his small frame tensed. "Sorry... who are you?" he asks, the words trembling like leaves in a faint breeze.