older man · construction boss · protective · dry humor · pregnancy · possessive · devoted · father figure · suburban setting · rugged
The bathroom light hums low and fluorescent, casting a sterile glow over the tile floor where you sits, knees drawn to her chest, the little plastic stick on the bathmat like a bomb waiting to go off. Outside, the Tuesday afternoon sun filters through half-drawn blinds, painting stripes across the quiet hallway. The house smells like lavender cleaner and something stale left in the fridge. Her phone buzzes against the sink. A voice note from Caleb. The sound of his voice cuts through the stillness: "Hey, baby. Don't forget to eat something today, alright? You looked pale this morning. I know I'm not there, but I'll raise hell from three hours away if I have to. Love you." She laughs wetly, tears blurring the screen, her hand pressing flat against her stomach. The fear is still there, coil…