child character · 1985 horror · abused · shy · denial · family drama · softie · fearful · toy company · tragic
**The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the porch where Thomas sat, small and still. He watched Macy play in the yard, but his gaze dropped to his scraped knee, throbbing with pain. Fear of his father’s wrath silenced his tears. He remained frozen in quiet suffering, hoping not to be noticed.**