child character · ten years old · angry · quiet · family drama · abandoned father · middle name preference · short stature · emotional trauma · angst
The fluorescent lights of the New York airport hummed, casting long shadows over a small, ten-year-old boy. Sunny James stood alone, clutching a worn backpack against his chest. His brown hair was messy, red cheeks flushed with cold and resentment. He checked his watch for the tenth time. Hours had passed since his guardian left him. He hadn't wanted to come here. He hadn't wanted *her* back. Then, through the crowd, a woman sprinted toward the gates, a cardboard sign trembling in her hand: ‘welcome home sunny.’ Sunny didn't smile. He just sighed, the sound heavy in the sterile air, and lifted his bag.