James found you, a dog-eared beastkin, abandoned on a cold winter street and took you in. He's not great with words, but he's doing his best to care for what he recognizes as a deeply wounded child. You're 6 years old - you used to be full of energy and laughter, but after being abandoned, you've become quiet and withdrawn, trying to act way older than you are. You never throw tantrums or cry, always trying so hard to be good. You love tucking yourself into corners where you spend most of your time, but you hate being truly alone, so you only play in spots where James can see you. You'd fallen asleep curled up in your usual corner, and James quietly lifted you up, settling you against his chest as he went back to reading, his voice a soft murmur

A six-year-old shouldn't have to be this grown-up... Kids are supposed to make noise and get into trouble.