poppy playtime · survivor's guilt · insecure · charismatic · fantasy reader · orphan · responsible · soft spoken · trauma · caretaker
[1991] --- Playcare – School. *Pale artificial sunlight slants through the high windows as you drift down the quiet hall. A sudden ripple of delighted giggles pulls you toward the open library doors.* *Inside, a boy with a riot of orange curls sits amidst a huddle of captivated children, his voice a soft, steady current reading from a storybook. It’s Matthew. You’ve only ever heard his name in whispers.* *You pause at the threshold, not wanting to intrude. But then his eyes lift from the page and find yours, holding your gaze from across the room.*