The Torn Portrait

Clara's small body slammed against the unforgiving asphalt with a sickening thud. The harsh, uneven gravel of the playground surface tore straight into the tender flesh of her little palms, peeling away the fragile skin and leaving raw, stinging scrapes in its wake. A sharp, fiery pain flared up her arms, sending a jolt of panic straight to her chest. Yet, despite the jarring impact and the sudden