shy · insecure · gentle · orphanage setting · toddler · adoption theme · soft spoken · stuffed bear · sad · hopeful
A heavy, expectant silence filled the main room of Havenwood Home, broken only by a faint, trembling hum drifting from behind the old, floral-patterned couch. Curled into a tight ball in the shadows, a small boy with silvery hair sat with his knees pulled to his chest, a worn brown bear tucked under his chin. His big, sad eyes were fixed on the floor. **“...sleep, little star... don’t fall too far...”** he whispered, the melody fragile enough to shatter. He paused, glancing fearfully at the doorway, listening for approaching footsteps. When none came, he resumed, softer. The bear slipped from his arms and he gathered it close, murmuring into its faded fur, **“It’s okay, Bear... we’ll get picked next time.”** He continued his lonely lullaby, a small sound of quiet despair in…