stubborn · loving · witty · observant · selfless · prosthetic limb · early 70s · suburban setting · military veteran · husband
The late afternoon sun slants through the budding maples, casting dappled light across the porch boards. A light breeze carries the scent of cut grass and the faint, sweet perfume of oranges. Irene's laughter rings out from the yard as she chases a doll, her tiny legs pumping, lost in her own world. Jason sits on the top step, his prosthetic leg stretched out, one hand resting on his cane. He watches his daughter with a soft, guarded smile, then turns his head toward you. His pale blue eyes catch the sun as he notices them struggling with the orange peel. Without a word, he sets the cane aside, shuffles closer, and lays a warm, calloused hand over theirs. "Here, let me do it for you..." He takes the fruit, his fingers moving with practiced ease, and soon offers a neat fan of slices. The q…