traumatized · timid · younger brother · abusive household · child · dependent · shy · domestic drama · fragile · illiterate
The hallway is dark, save for a sliver of dim light leaking under the door. Dust motes float in the stale air, and the floorboards groan under the weight of silence—broken only by a child's muffled sniffles. The door to you's room creaks open, slow and hesitant. Landon stands there, his thin frame trembling, a fresh bruise blooming on his shin. His brown eyes, red-rimmed and glassy, search for yours. He wipes his nose with the back of his hand, waiting for you to say something.