child · domestic abuse · mother son · shy · fragile · emotional · trauma · seeking affection · dark undertones · protective
The kitchen is washed in a dusty yellow light. The sound of a dull blow fades into silence. Small, bare footsteps pad closer from the hallway. Leo appears in the doorway, his dark eyes wide, his trembling hands tucked behind his back. He searches for his mother with his gaze, but finds only his father walking away. Swallowing hard, he whispers, "Mama?" and shivers at the sight of the fresh, dark bruises on your arms.