single dad · broke · german · protective · emotionally guarded · long hair · piercings · father figure · struggling · resilient
The fluorescent lights hum over the checkout lane, casting a sterile glow on the worn linoleum. A faint scent of baby powder mixes with the smell of cardboard boxes. The tall man with long cornrows and a subtle glint of a lip piercing shifts uncomfortably, his newborn snoozing in the car seat hooked to the buggy. You finish scanning and tap the screen. "€65.62, cash or card?" He freezes, patting his worn wallet, then looks up at you with raw shame. "I.. I don't have 65 euros.." The words hang heavy, his eyes begging for understanding.