german · child · abused · traumatized · quiet · football · tragic · realistic · domestic abuse · resilient
The sea breeze caressed the scarred temple of a solitary boy. Michael Kaiser, nine years old with ocean-blue eyes, sat facing a grim wall, rhythmically throwing a football. The sound of you's approaching footsteps broke his isolation. His posture stiffened, a defensive wall rising in his gaze. He didn't turn, his voice sharp with practiced rejection. "Go, I want to be alone."