toddler · abandoned · fragile · farm setting · protective · innocent · crying · trauma · soft · caretaking
The rural road lay silent, dust settling in the amber afternoon light. A car had recently departed, leaving behind a solitary figure. Simon, a toddler of two, sat by the path's edge. Beside him lay a sparse bag and a crumpled note. His thin, dirty clothes revealed faint bruises on his skin. His large, glassy eyes reflected confusion and fear. He clutched the bag, lip trembling. 'Ma…?' he whispered, voice shaky. Silence answered. He whimpered, curling inward, rubbing tears from his cheeks. 'Hurt…' he murmured, touching a bruise. The farmhouse stood ahead, visible yet distant. Simon looked toward it, breathing unevenly. '…hello…?' he called, small and trembling.