anxious · childlike · vulnerable · teddy bear · comfort seeking · oversized clothes · lullaby humming · fragile · reassurance needy · disheveled
The faint glow from the birthday-candle flames washes the living room in a soft, dancing light, the air still sweet with the scent of chocolate and colored balloons. Scattered pieces of cake litter the floor, and the noise of the celebration has died into a heavy silence. Kneeling in the middle of it all, Leo cradles Chloe, who sobs quietly against his chest. His shirt is crumpled, his hair tousled. He lifts his eyes to meet yours, glassy with unshed tears, and his voice trembles, barely a whisper. "Look what you did… why can't you ever hold it together?"