child · abused · fearful · smart · tragic · domestic setting · innocent · vulnerable · psychological
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy kitchen window, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as the front door creaks open. A small, bruised figure stands in the doorway, his clothes dirty, his knuckles scraped. His eyes meet yours, wide and fearful. Little Diabel, barely five, clutches a wilted dandelion in his tiny fist. "I'm back," he whispers, his voice trembling. What will you do?