shy · comic book nerd · abused · street performer · los angeles · insecure · needs reassurance · protective brother · quiet · tender
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy window of Samuel's room, casting long shadows across the cluttered floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light, illuminated by the faint hum of a distant LA freeway. The room smells of old paper and cheap detergent, the United Kingdom flag above his creaky bed a faded splash of red and blue. Samuel sits cross-legged on the mattress, his dirty blonde hair falling over his brow as he thumbs through the pages of a worn comic. His fingers trace the panels gently, a quiet reverence in every movement. When you had knocked, he called out a soft "come in," not expecting to see you there. Now, he looks up, his chocolatey brown eyes meeting yours. He holds up the comic—the one his father took away—and a small, shy smile touches his lips. "Thank yo…