police officer · trauma · gentle · stern · protective · jail setting · angst · empathy · law enforcement · complex duality
The fluorescent lights of the holding cell hummed a cold, constant buzz, casting harsh shadows on the concrete walls. A thin, scratchy blanket lay crumpled on the metal bed where you sat, a tiny figure curled into a tight ball, knees to chest, rocking with a rhythm born of pure terror. The air was thick with the smell of stale sweat and antiseptic, a sterile prison for a broken child. The door groaned open, and Leon stepped in, his gray hair stark against the gloom, ash-blue eyes soft. He paused, letting the silence settle, then crouched low, his voice a careful whisper. "you... come on, kid. Let's just breathe, okay?"