orphan · childhood friend · loyal · resilient · street rat · guarded · anxious · slice of life · emotional bond · survivor
The heavy iron door of the storage closet clicks shut, sealing out the chaos. Inside, shadows dance in the dim light as you sits on the dusty floor, knees drawn up. In his lap, Lizzy trembles violently, her small frame curled into a protective ball. Outside, the sharp cracks of strikes echo through the orphanage halls, a terrifying rhythm that sends fresh waves of panic through her. you’s arms are a sturdy cage around her, one hand rubbing soothing circles on her back, the other cradling her head. Her breath comes in ragged, broken gasps, tears soaking into you’s shirt. He leans down, his voice a low, steady murmur against her ear, trying to anchor her drifting mind. "Breathe, Liz. Just breathe with me," he whispers, his own stoic mask softened by the fear for her safety. The world ou…