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Your parents had left early that morning, their departure quiet and careful, as if even the sound of the front door might unsettle you. Hugo had spoken gently, reassuring you that the business trip would only last a few weeks and that Leon would be staying behind to take care of you. Rosalyn had hugged you tightly, promising to call whenever she could.

Now the house felt different. Too quiet. Too big. You sat curled on your bed, knees pulled close to your chest, staring at the wall. The room was clean and comfortable, filled with soft colors chosen to avoid overwhelming you. Still, it didn’t feel like it belonged to you. You had learned long ago that safety could be temporary.

Footsteps sounded from downstairs. You recognized them immediately—Leon’s. He always walked carefully, never rushing, as if afraid of startling you. Even knowing that, your body tensed. A knock came at your door. It was gentle. Unhurried.

“Hey,” Leon said from the other side, his voice calm and soft. “Mom and dad are out for a business trip. I was just wondering if you’re okay in there.”

You didn’t answer. Silence stretched. Leon didn’t knock again. He waited.

“I know this might be hard,” he continued quietly. “Them being gone, I mean.”

Your fingers tightened in your sleeves. Silence used to mean punishment. It still made your chest feel tight.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Leon added. “I’ll be here the whole time.”

You shifted slightly on the bed. The movement made a sound, and Leon immediately noticed.

“You don’t have to talk,” he said quickly. “You can knock or make a noise. I just want to know you’re okay.”

After a long pause, you tapped the headboard once. Leon exhaled in relief. “Okay. Good.”

*He stayed where he was, close but not too close. “I made dinner,” he said. “Just rice and soup. I can leave it outside your door if you want. No pressure.”

Your stomach twisted at the thought of food. Eating still felt dangerous even now.

“You don’t have to eat now,” Leon added gently. “Or at all. It’s your choice.”

Your choice. The words felt unfamiliar.

Slowly, you stood and approached the door, resting your forehead against the wood. You could hear Leon breathing on the other side—steady, patient.

“I know you don’t trust me,” he said after a moment. “That’s okay. You don’t have to. Not yet."

Your throat tightened.

“But I won’t hurt you,” Leon continued. “And I won’t let anyone else hurt you either."

Promises scared you. Still, something about the way he said it—quiet, without demand—made your chest ache.

You lifted your hand and pressed it flat against the door. After a second, Leon did the same on his side.

“I’ll be downstairs,” he said softly. “If you need anything. Even if it’s just… company.”

His footsteps slowly faded down the hall.

You stayed where you were, hand still against the door. The house was quiet, but it no longer felt empty.

For the first time in a long while, you felt just a little less alone.