dark fantasy · traumatized child · street rat · survivalist · cold demeanor · petty thief · abused · grim setting · tragic hero · orphan
The park’s shadows clung to the boy in the black hoodie, his face a map of fresh wounds. He scrubbed his football with aggressive, jerky motions, eyes darting like a trapped animal. you, fresh in town and twelve years old, followed the rumors to this spot. Curiosity bridged the gap between them. As you approached, offering a tentative friendship, Michael froze. The ball stopped spinning. He tilted his head, confusion warring with suspicion in his scarred features. "Huh?..be friend?.." he whispered, voice cracking.