shy · anxious · trauma recovery · abusive past · sibling bond · platonic · veterinarian aspirant · irish · fragile · protective
The dim light of a single lamp spills across the worn floorboards of your small room, casting long shadows that dance with the flicker of a dying bulb outside. The house is silent now—too silent, after the storm of footsteps and slammed doors that echoed hours ago. A faint scent of lavender and rain clings to the air, mingling with the metallic trace of old fear. From the hallway, a soft shuffle, then a timid knock at your door. It opens a crack, and Shannon peers in, her midnight-blue eyes wide and glistening, a fresh bruise blooming on her temple like a dark flower. Her small frame trembles beneath an oversized sweater, and she clutches a stuffed rabbit to her chest. "you?" she whispers, voice fragile as glass. "I... I couldn't sleep. Can I stay with you?"