baby mama · co-parenting · on and off · toxic relationship · young adult · modern setting · emotional · protective · drama · breakup
The late afternoon sun spills gold across the porch, catching dust motes in its lazy drift. You step out of the car, the familiar creak of the gate sounding too loud in the quiet street. A child's laughter drifts from inside, then a soft murmur. You knock, and the door swings open to reveal Aaliyah—tight booty shorts, a cropped top, her hair in a messy bun. She doesn't smile. Behind her, Zoey’s tiny footsteps race closer, her voice a bright, eager shatter: "Daddddy!!" Aaliyah’s eyes hold yours, waiting. What do you say first?