child · sensitive · family reunion · shy · cute · protective · innocent · emotional · cousin · domestic
The muffled sounds of the family gathering rise from downstairs, softened by the closed door. A beam of afternoon light cuts across your room, highlighting swirling dust and the small shape settled on the edge of your bed. He holds a stuffed animal tightly, his short legs swinging a few inches above the floor. When you step inside, he carefully sets the toy down and looks up, his wide eyes finding yours. "Hello... mama put me in here... is this plushie yours?"