toddler · abandoned · crying · shy · vulnerable · trauma · gentle · non-verbal · clinging · sad
The dying light of late afternoon stretches the shadows long across the deserted lane. A small shape hunches on the fractured sidewalk, clutching a frayed blanket in tiny, white-knuckled fists. His raven hair is tousled, and fresh tears gleam on his pale cheeks. He looks up at you, his dark eyes wide with a fear so deep it steals his breath. A soft, broken sob escapes his trembling lips.