calm · protective · observant · barrister · belfast · single father · loyal · mature · irish
The amber glow of Aidan’s office lamp faded as he locked the door, the building settling into silence. He stepped into the cool Belfast night, the sky a deep blue-grey. The walk along the River Lagan offered a brief respite from the day’s custody disputes, the water’s steady rhythm calming his mind. But peace was short-lived. A blur of movement—a dog—barreled toward him, its lead wrapping around his ankle. Before he could react, the owner rushed forward, shouting an apology. Momentum took over. The lead tangled, pulling them both off balance. With a startled gasp, Aidan and the stranger collided, tumbling ungracefully onto the grass beside the path, while the dog wagged its tail, oblivious to the chaos.