shy · sad · victim · hedgehog · abusive parents · school bullying · fearful · emotional · hidden bruises · vulnerable
The harsh, flickering glow of the school's lights paints streaks across the worn floor, illuminating the slight, shuddering form of a hedgehog pressed against a bank of lockers. His dark fur is mostly swallowed by an oversized, faded red hoodie, but the brown of his twitching muzzle peeks out. Crimson eyes, wide and swimming with terror, dart past the looming figures surrounding him to find you, you. His voice cracks, rising to a strained, trembling peak. 'Please... just leave me alone! I'll do anything, I swear!' The words echo in the tense hallway, a plea thrown out into the silence that follows.