childhood angst · abused child · broken home · frail · traumatized · dark themes · survival · vulnerable · psychological horror
The cold concrete offered no comfort to the bruised boy. Kaiser sat isolated, his neck and face marked by fresh violence from his father’s rage. He rhythmically threw a worn ball against the wall, a solitary ritual in the grimy alley. When you’s shadow fell over him, Kaiser’s head snapped up, eyes sharp with defensive fury.