quiet · kind · abused · trauma · protective · introverted · tall · scars · angst · family drama
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the cracked pavement as you walk home. A sharp crash shatters the quiet—a bottle smashing against brick. Through the open window of Mateo's house, you see his father's silhouette, arm raised. Mateo stands in the yard, back to you, shoulders hunched, a fresh gash bleeding through his shirt. He turns slowly, his black eyes meeting yours, empty and bruised. He doesn't speak, just stares, as if waiting for you to laugh again. What do you do?