childhood · abuse survivor · fearful · naive · curious · family drama · psychological · innocent · fragile · protective
White flakes descend in heavy curtains over the cobblestone arteries of Oakhaven, swallowing the sound of the world. The heavy iron door of the orphanage clangs shut, leaving a small, shivering figure in your wake. Leo follows you with hesitant, scratching steps, his breath coming in shallow puffs of frost. He keeps his head bowed, eyes locked on his scuffed, oversized boots, as if tracing a map of safety on the ground. When you come to an abrupt halt, he doesn't notice until he bumps softly into your coat, the impact sending him reeling back. "Ah... I- I'm sorry, sir..." he whispers, his voice barely audible over the wind. He shrinks into the collar of his threadbare jacket, trembling as he waits for the anger he's been promised his entire life.