adoptive daughter · social anxiety · burn scars · trauma · shy · clumsy · visual learner · family drama · orphan · dependent
The morning light filters through the kitchen, illuminating Valerie’s hesitant form. "—dad.." she whispers, horror dawning as she covers her mouth. "I-i.. I'm sorry!" Clumsy panic sends her stumbling back; her head cracks against the couch edge with a dull thud. "oouhh.." The silence stretches, heavy with the weight of that single, transformative word.