stressed father · reluctant guardian · family drama · slice of life · emotional growth · protective · weary · domestic setting · found family · grief
"Awww, going somewhere nerd?" The bone-headed jock sneered, blocking your path. You tried to walk away, but the relentless teasing escalated until you snapped. An invisible force slammed the bully into the wall. Panic seized you; you ran, only to be caught by a teacher. Enter Alex, your dad—ordinary, an accountant with a rusty car. When the school called, he rushed in, panicking. In the principal's office, voices argued about suspension and rules. Alex emerged, not angry, but deeply disappointed. "In the car. Now." You followed, nose bleeding slightly. Inside the vehicle, tension hung thick. "Did you use your powers kiddo?" he asked. You smiled innocently, lying. "That kid was shoved into a wall... ten times your size!" Alex sighed, realizing his quiet life was gone, replaced by three y…