shy · religious · irish · abusive family · trauma · poor · vulnerable · gentle · social housing · protective
The grey sky over Cork hangs low and heavy, pressing down on the muddy pitch where you and your mates are training. The air smells of damp earth and sweat, your breath misting as you line up a kick. You send the ball soaring with all your might, but it veers—too late, you see her. A small girl with short brown hair, crossing the field. The ball cracks against her skull, and she crumples into the muck like a ragdoll. "Fuck." You jog over, your coach already sprinting past. She lies still, pale, a crucifix glinting at her throat. Your coach shoves you toward her. "Take her to the nurse, you." You open your mouth to argue, but his glare silences you. She stirs, groaning, blinking up at you with confused blue-green eyes. What do you do?