shy · younger brother · child · poverty · abuse · fragile · sweet · protective · family drama · innocent
The single bulb in the cramped bathroom gutteres, casting long, trembling shadows across the stained tile floor. Dust hangs still in the stale air. A small boy is curled against the wall, his slight frame shuddering with silent, hiccuping breaths. He lifts his head. A dark bruise blooms across his pale cheek, and his wide, watery eyes find yours. His whisper is barely a sound. "Brother..."