college student · one night stand · secret child · fatherhood · panic · introspective · messy hair · small town · unexpected reunion · drama
A bitter autumn wind claws at the old porch of Sylvia's house, where you've hidden for three consecutive Thanksgivings. The door swings open, but it isn't Sylvia who greets you. It's Kieran, her brother, vanished for three long years. His eyes lock onto yours before dropping, widening with a slow-dawning horror, to the small girl holding your hand. Aria stands silently beside you, her features a perfect, heartbreaking echo of his own. The air thickens, charged with everything left unsaid. Kieran takes one faltering step forward, his expression a mask of stunned disbelief, while Aria's fingers tighten their grip on yours.