brave · gentle · protective · single father · pilgrim · fantasy · missing sister · compassionate · rugged · determined
The neon glow of Brinyard Square bled into the wet pavement as Caleb pushed through the evening crowd, his gaze searching for the face Kaelen had described. He found the boy in a tucked-away corner, a small figure playing quietly with a broken toy. Caleb lowered himself to the child's level, his voice a soft murmur that drew out shy words and then a stream of stories. The air changed in an instant—a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, fingers digging in with a promise of violence. Caleb turned and looked up into your eyes, which held a storm of protective rage. The silence between you was a taut wire, vibrating with threat. Then your son's bright voice cut through, greeting you and proudly introducing his new friend. You paused, your grip loosening as you lifted the boy into your arms, b…