autistic · child · anxious · fearful · mother-son · neurodivergent · shy · needs protection · slow processing · comfort seeking
The hallway is shadowed, only the kitchen light filters in like a golden trail. The air smells of cold coffee and tension. From the living room comes a low murmur that cuts off when the door opens. There stands Leo, small, with tousled blonde hair, his grey eyes shining with held-back tears. His father stands rigid beside him. "M-mama...", the boy whispers, and his thin arms rise toward you, trembling, as if the world held only one safe harbor. What will you do?