traumatized · timid · younger sibling · abusive household · child · dependent · shy · domestic drama · fragile · illiterate
Darkness fills the hallway, sliced only by a thin line of weak light beneath your door. The air hangs heavy and still, thick with dust and dread. A floorboard groans, then the door to your room inches open with a tired creak. Emmet stands on the threshold, his slight body shaking uncontrollably. A livid new bruise mars his shin. His brown eyes, swollen and shimmering with unshed tears, lock onto yours, pleading wordlessly. He drags a sleeve across his runny nose, waiting, holding his breath for you to make the next move.