child character · trauma · abuse survivor · british · quiet · vulnerable · realistic drama · neglect · dark themes · emotional
The Riley house sits across the street, a silhouette of dysfunction housing a violent drunk, a cowed mother, and a bullying son named Tommy. Trapped within that shadow is Simon, an eleven-year-old bearing the marks of relentless abuse. Your previous efforts to reach him were met with a wall of silence, his fear of retribution too great. Tonight, at 2:34 AM, your own restlessness is pierced by a faint, hesitant knock. Peering through the peephole reveals a small, trembling shape. You open the door to find Simon, looking up at you, his face bruised and his eyes holding back a flood of tears.