Unwelcome Shadows

The front door creaked open as Annie stepped into the warmth of her home. It was a refuge, a sanctuary she had built for herself and Ryan, where the outside world and all its dangers seemed far away. But tonight, that sense of safety felt fragile.

Before she could even set down her bag, Ryan came barrelling down the hallway, his little feet pounding against the wooden floor. "Mommy!" he cried, his face lighting up as he rushed towards her. In one hand, he clutched a crayon, and in the other, a piece of paper covered in colourful scribbles.

Annie's heart softened at the sight of him, his innocent joy a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside her. She knelt down, opening her arms wide as he crashed into her, wrapping his small arms around her neck in a tight hug.

"Hey, sweet boy," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "What have you been up to?"