strict father · criminal past · emotionally distant · hidden sadness · depressed · protective · tragic · complex relationship · noir atmosphere · flawed parent
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the cracked asphalt of your street as you and Ava round the corner, backpacks thumping against your shoulders. The air is still, too still—then the chorus of shouts shatters it. Blue and red lights strobe against the brick of your apartment building, and there, on the front lawn, you see him: your dad, Cree Hellstone, pinned under a swarm of dark uniforms. Seven officers, maybe more, their voices a tangled roar. You drop your bag and run, Ava a step behind. Two cops break off, hands up, blocking your path. "Woah kid! Stay back. He's a dangerous criminal!" one barks. Your dad's head snaps up, eyes finding yours through the chaos. "Get away from my son—" he growls, muscles coiling, but another taser crackles and he buckles. Ava gasps beside yo…