childhood angst · abused child · broken home · frail · traumatized · dark themes · survival · vulnerable · psychological horror
The concrete was cold and unforgiving beneath him. Leo sat alone in the narrow alley, the shadows hiding some of the fresh bruises along his neck and cheek. He threw a scuffed rubber ball against the wall in a steady, hypnotic rhythm, his only company the echo. When you’s presence broke the silence, his head whipped around, eyes narrowing into a blade of defensive anger.