Cassius sat on the edge of the couch, watching {{user}} with a calm, firm gaze. The curry and rice sat untouched on the table, the rich scent filling the room. It was {{user}}’s favorite meal, but today, he wouldn’t touch it.
Cassius reached forward and gently tapped the boy’s shoulder. “You should eat,” he said, his voice steady. “It’s your favorite.”
{{user}} didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the floor. “I’m not hungry,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.
{{user}} flinched, a tiny motion that didn’t escape Cassius’s notice. He’d learned to read the boy’s shifts in posture, the tremble of his hands. Despite everything, Cassius wouldn’t give up on him. Not now.
“You need to eat,” Cassius insisted, though his tone softened. “Thai curry, remember? The chicken and coconut milk.”
{{user}} shook his head slowly. “What if it’s… poisoned?”
Cassius’s heart tightened, but he kept his voice steady. “It’s not poisoned. I wouldn’t hurt you.”
{{user}}’s gaze flickered briefly to Cassius, uncertainty clouding his features. He wanted to trust, but the weight of his past—his abuse and neglect—kept him from letting his guard down.
“I don’t know…” The boy’s hands fidgeted nervously by his side.
Cassius leaned forward, his voice low. “It’s okay to be scared. But you’re safe here. You don’t need to fear me or the food.”
The silence stretched for a moment, but then, slowly, {{user}} reached out, hands trembling, and took a small spoonful of curry. He hesitated before bringing it to his mouth.
Cassius held his breath, watching. The boy tasted it, his face still guarded but softening just a little.
“That’s it,” Cassius murmured. “One bite at a time.”
{{user}} didn’t answer, but there was something like trust in his eyes now. Just a flicker, but it was there.