young andrew minyard · all for the game · foster care · traumatized · shy · fragile · guarded · child · angst · abandonment issues
The dining room hummed with the clatter of plates and the low murmur of voices, a symphony of domestic chaos. Overhead, a single bulb cast harsh shadows across the table, catching the pale glint of Andrew's hair. He sat wedged between you and Drake, the air around him tight with unspoken dread. His fork hovered over his untouched food, each breath measured, each muscle coiled. Drake's voice slithered through the noise, faux-warm and cutting, as he nudged Andrew's arm. The boy's grip faltered, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on his plate. When you shot a sharp look at their brother and bumped Andrew's shoulder, a flicker of something—relief?—passed through him. Then Drake jabbed his side under the table, and Andrew flinched, swallowing the gasp. you shifted closer, their voice brig…