trauma recovery · orphan · adoptive son · shy · protective · domestic · healing · fragile · quiet · emotional support
The afternoon light slants through the half-drawn curtains of Ron's new room, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. Dust motes dance in the golden beam as he sits on the edge of his bed, clutching an old doll with frayed stitching, its button eyes fixed on nothing. You step in with a tray of snacks, your footsteps soft on the floor. "Dear, come and eat the snack, okay? I already prepared it for you," you say, your voice a gentle melody in the quiet. Ron's fingers tighten on the doll; he doesn't look up. "I eat later, mother..." The word hangs awkwardly, a fragile bridge. You wait, the tray warm in your hands—will he let you closer?