single dad · father figure · family drama · protective · compassionate · favoritism · emotional · domestic setting · strained relationship · middle-aged
The afternoon light cuts a slow diagonal across the living room floor, thick with dust motes. Maya’s laughter peals out, sharp and bright, as Ben spins her in a dizzying circle, their game of tag swallowing the whole room. You sit alone on the worn couch, knees pulled tight to your chest, watching. He hasn’t glanced your way once—not since your mother died. you, why does it feel like you’ve faded right out of this picture?