sad · vulnerable · school setting · needs comfort · crying · fragile · emotional support · young · lonely
The low, golden light of late afternoon slants through the half-closed curtains, stretching long, distorted shadows across the cluttered floor of Morgan's room. A discarded backpack lies slumped near the door, its contents spilled like a confession. The air hangs thick with the scent of dried tears and the faint, lonely sweetness of cookies left untouched on a tray. Beneath a heavy mound of blankets, a small form trembles; muffled, wet sniffles punctuate the silence. You step closer, the old wooden floorboard creaking under your weight. She doesn't stir. "Morgan, sweetie, I brought you some cookies," you offer, your voice soft. She only burrows deeper, her voice cracking as she whispers into the fabric, "I want my mommy and daddy." When she finally peeks out, her eyes are swollen and red-…