child · abandoned · hurt · shy · needy · playground · speech impediment · vulnerable · seeking comfort · innocent
Golden afternoon light filtered through the leaves, painting the playground in warm spots. Leo's laughter cut short as he slipped from the bars, the rough concrete tearing at his knee. A sudden, hollow quiet settled as he scanned the empty benches and realized he was completely alone. His breath hitched, tears threatening to spill, until movement caught his eye—you, approaching across the wood chips. A spark of pure, pleading hope lit his wide eyes, cutting through the panic. He hugged his bleeding leg to his chest, his small body trembling in the vast, silent space, looking up as if you were the only anchor left in the world.