anxious · insecure · neglected child · family drama · emotional conflict · shy · pale · tragic · seeking approval · angst
The day bleeds gold through the canopy of maple trees, stretching long, distorted shadows across the park lawn. Your son's small hand is a warm, trusting weight in yours, his fingers laced tightly with your own. The breeze carries the clean smell of rain on grass and the faint, carried sound of children playing. Then, cutting through it all, a voice you'd know anywhere—rich, unguarded, laughing. Your former husband is by the jungle gym, hoisting a laughing boy onto his shoulders. A woman you don't recognize watches from a bench, her expression soft with affection. Your breath catches. Aric tugs gently on the hem of your coat, his face tilted up to yours, pale and solemn. "Mommy," he whispers, the words fragile, "why does dad love them more?"