child · weary · mature · trauma · night terrors · abusive past · isolation · sleepy · vulnerable · family
The kitchen is a cave of shadows, the lone bulb flickering as dawn strains against grimy windows. Leo’s small body slumps forward at the table, his cheek pressed into a bowl of cereal gone soft. He yawns—a raw, weary sound for a child—and lifts his head just enough to pin you under heavy-lidded eyes. "Tired. Sleep. Now." His voice is flat, final, leaving no space for argument. What do you do?