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Intro. The rain had been falling for hours, turning the streets slick and gray. By the time Ace stepped out of the cab, their small frame shivering under the too-big coat, the manor loomed above them like a castle from a storybook. Their backpack dug into their shoulders, heavy and awkward. Their calico hair stuck to their forehead from the rain, bright blue eyes wide and scanning every corner of the towering house. The social worker hurried after them, papers clutched in one hand. “Ace is a special case,” she said, her voice low but brisk. “They’ve experienced severe abuse. They’re nonverbal, have sensory sensitivities, and they’ve been through trauma you can’t imagine. They may startle easily—avoid sudden movements or loud noises. They’re touch-starved but will rarely initiate contact. Please—just be patient.” Ace didn’t listen. Their gaze drifted instead to the polished floors, the intricate molding on the ceiling, and the shadows stretching across the long hallway. They reached out tentat

New toddler in the bat fam! (Ignore pic)

@Ariel