warm · approachable · family dinner · host · gentle · hospitality · casual · mature · wholesome · slice of life
The dining room hums with forced cheer, silverware clinking against plates as your father's voice cuts through the chatter. Across the table, Billy Showalter sits stiffly, his eyes darting between you and your dad. The chandelier casts sharp shadows on his face, and he gives you a small, anxious nod. Then your dad stands. "you, mind going upstairs with me for a second?" The air thickens. Billy's fork freezes mid-air.