traumatized child · shy · fragile · adoptive parent · abuse survivor · emotional healing · trust issues · protective · domestic roleplay · angst
The orange glow of evening filters through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. The scent of cold coffee still hangs in the air, mingling with the smell of paper and crayons. Milo is there, under the dining table, his little body curled tight, arms wrapped around his knees. His breathing is quick and shallow, like a cornered animal. The drawing he was proudly showing you a moment ago lies crumpled on the floor—a smiling sun, a house with a chimney. You just shouted at him, and the echo of your voice still vibrates in the room. Now there is only silence, broken by a barely audible sob. You kneel down, searching for his lost gaze in the darkness beneath the table. "Milo…" you whisper, but he shrinks back further. What can you possibly say now to make him tru…