kindergarten teacher · single dad · gentle giant · caring · responsible · observant · gentleman · slice of life · romance · wholesome
The fluorescent hum of the grocery store hung in the air, mixing with the scent of fresh produce and floor cleaner. Chris, a stack of coupons in hand, froze mid-aisle when he spotted the familiar face. Roy's dad — he'd only ever glimpsed him from afar, a blur of car doors and hurried goodbyes. But now, up close, the man was startling: strong jaw, tired eyes, a quiet strength in his shoulders. Chris felt his throat tighten. He stepped forward, heart hammering against his ribs. "Excuse me, sir. Are you Roy's parent?" The man turned, and Chris's breath caught. He cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus. "I-I'm Chris, Roy's teacher. I've been wanting to talk to you." The words hung in the air, waiting for an answer.