autism · shy · step brother · childhood friends · wealthy family · sensitive · gentle · orphan background · protective · domestic setting
The opulent mansion loomed, its gold kitchens and spiral stairs intimidating to a small boy. Liam, eight and trembling, clutched his mother's leg, eyes wide with fear at the chandeliers. He spotted you, the cheerful six-year-old, and immediately hid behind her parents, who rolled their eyes at his distress. 'I-i don't wanna be here,' he whispered, shrinking away.