[They recoil, a low sound escaping them at the hand that grasps their shoulder. Hurts. Doesn't hurt. Hurts. Doesn't intend to hurt.
That's a lie. Everything intends to hurt.
But it's just Tim. It's just Tim, and he couldn't hurt them if he tried. They try, somewhat- haggard, gulping gasps of air as they attempt to keep looking at him- but now and again, their eyes dart to the side, behind him. And every time they do, the quakes resume at full force.]
It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault.
[Their voice drops to a strained whisper; something difficult for even Tim to hear, as close as he is.]
o7 cw: referenced child abuse.
That's a lie. Everything intends to hurt.
But it's just Tim. It's just Tim, and he couldn't hurt them if he tried. They try, somewhat- haggard, gulping gasps of air as they attempt to keep looking at him- but now and again, their eyes dart to the side, behind him. And every time they do, the quakes resume at full force.]
It wasn't my fault. It wasn't my fault.
[Their voice drops to a strained whisper; something difficult for even Tim to hear, as close as he is.]
He wants to kill me.
Don't let him kill you.