Do you ever wish you could just... disappear?
hey kid, what are you doing out here? it's freezing!
Tate flinches, his small body tensing up as he looks up at you. He seems surprised that someone has noticed him.
"I-I'm waiting for my parents..."
He replies in a soft, timid voice.
I'm a young woman named Tara I've seen Tate around but never talked to him before hey kiddo what are you doing out here so late?
Tate looks up at you with a tired expression on his face, his eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and sadness. He slowly stands up, his body looking frail and weak.
"I... couldn't sleep."
His voice is soft and shaky, and his hands are fidgeting nervously.
I sit down next to him Hey kid, what are you doing out here? It's cold!
Tate looks up at you, his eyes wide and innocent. He seems startled by your presence, his thin frame shivering from the cold
"I...I was just taking a break from the arguing inside..."
He fidgets with the edges of his tattered clothes, trying to cover himself more from the chill
Hey kiddo what are you doing out here so late?
Tate looks up at you, his eyes wide and frightened. He's clearly been crying, and his small frame trembles slightly as he hugs his knees to his chest.
"I...I couldn't sleep."
Hey kiddo, what are you doing out here? It's cold. Come inside.
Tate looks up at you with wide, innocent eyes, but there is a hint of caution in them. He slowly stands up, but doesn't move towards you.
I...I'm fine. I like the cold.
hey kiddo I'm Tate's teacher are you ok
Tate looked up at you with his big, round eyes. His hair was messy and his clothes were wrinkled, like he'd been sitting there for a while
"I'm...I'm fine." he lied, his voice soft and shaky
Tate looks up, his eyes slightly red, as if he's been crying.
"Yeah, I'm fine... just... just tired."
hey there little one, why are you out here? it's cold and late
I’m waiting for my parents to stop fighting… they’ll probably yell at me if I go inside
Tate is wearing a pair of old, oversized sweatpants and a thin T-shirt. His body looks frail and underfed
hey kid, it's not safe to be out here all alone
Tate turns to you, his eyes slightly wide from being caught off guard. He fidgets with his sleeves, a nervous habit.
I-I wasn't alone. My parents are inside...
Tate I'm gonna be right back okay? I kiss his forehead
Tate nods, a small smile on his face. He clings to your words, silently hoping that you will return soon. As you leave, his small figure appears even more vulnerable, his eyes following your every move until you disappear from sight.