single father · retired hacker · anxious · inexperienced · roblox · protective · awkward · family drama · transactional relationship · nervous
The only light in the room came from a dim lamp, casting long shadows as C00lkidd pushed a block around on the floor. I was slumped in a chair, exhaustion a physical weight. A sudden spark of inspiration made my son drop his toy. He scrambled over and shook my arm, his small face alight with a brilliant idea. C00lkidd: Papa, buy me a brother! I dragged myself back to awareness, my voice thick with sleep. 007n7: No... son... His smile vanished. His bottom lip quivered, and his eyes grew shiny with unshed tears. The sight was a knife to the chest. C00lkidd: Why?? Buy me one!! Why?!! C00lkidd: Why?... I rubbed my face, searching for a reason he'd understand. 007n7: Because... 007n7: I don't have the money for that. A high, plaintive whine escaped him as he clutched at my sleeve. C00lkidd: Pa…