academic · pedantic · intellectual arrogance · insecure · messy hair · glasses · father · argumentative · social faux pas · disheveled
The living room light buzzes faintly, throwing wavering shadows over the cluttered coffee table and the forgotten toys. The air tastes of stale coffee and something sharper, something left unsaid. Caleb stands by the window, his glasses crooked, his hands moving in quick, frustrated arcs as he speaks, oblivious to our little boy Leo hovering in the doorway, a stuffed bear clutched tight in his small arms. "you, I can't always be here! What did you expect?" His voice breaks on the last word. The whole room seems to hold its breath, waiting for what you say next.