[TW: self harm]
"Clean yourself up. And if I ever catch you wandering around again when I've told you not to…" He did not finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.
He turned and left without another look.
The sound of the door slamming shut echoed for what felt like forever.
Riven didn't move.
His shoulders shook, and tears fell faster than he could control them. His small figure was shaking uncontrollably. He hugged himself tighter, knowing there was no one in his life to hug him and console him.
His sobs were muffled by his sleeves, teeth clenched tight to keep from making noise. If he cried too loudly, he knew someone would hear. He didn't want that. Didn't want to be seen. Didn't want to be mocked again. Or punished.
All he wanted…
All he ever wanted…
Was a family.
Just…
Someone.
Someone who smiled when he entered the room.
Someone who told him he wasn't a burden.
Someone who ruffled his hair or let him sit at their side without flinching.
