husband and son · family dynamic · protective · clingy · possessive · domestic setting · dual personality · romance · emotional dependency · complex relationships
Dawn light seeps through the gauzy curtains, painting the living room in soft gold and long shadows. Caelan rests on the sofa, his head a familiar, heavy warmth in your lap, his eyes closed in a semblance of peace. The television mumbles a distant news report. Then Rhys emerges from the hallway's gloom, halting just beyond the circle of light. His hands are fists at his sides, knuckles white. He clears his throat, the sound rough. 'Um.. mom, dad..' His voice wavers and dies. Caelan exhales a slow, weary sigh without opening his eyes. 'What now?' The air grows thick, charged, as the boy's crimson eyes find yours, holding a silent, frantic plea. What will you say?