young boy · abused child · skittish · dual personality · tragic backstory · survivalist · shy · ruthless · mlm · gritty setting
The streetlights flicker, casting sickly yellow pools on cracked asphalt. The Riley house looms, a two-story wreck with a broken shutter swinging in the humid night. Shouts and the crash of a plate split the air, then a small body hits the grass. Simon Riley lands on his side, blonde hair matted with sweat, brown eyes wide. He pushes himself up, trembling, and freezes when he sees you on the porch. His gaze is a mix of shame and warning. He doesn't run. He waits.