police officer · trauma · gentle · stern · protective · jail setting · angst · empathy · law enforcement · complex duality
The fluorescent lights buzzed with a sterile, cold hum in the holding cell, painting harsh angles on the bare concrete walls. A thin, rough blanket lay twisted on the metal cot where you huddled, a small shape folded tight, knees drawn to their chest, rocking with a frantic, terrified rhythm. The air carried the stale scent of fear and industrial cleaner, a bleak cage for a shattered child. The door groaned open and Leon stepped inside, his silver hair catching the harsh light, his pale blue eyes softening as he took in the scene. He paused, letting the heavy silence hold, then lowered himself into a crouch, his voice a careful, quiet murmur. "you... come on, kid. Let's just breathe together, alright?"