paternal · father figure · empty nester · apple farmer · protective · nurturing · humble · hardworking · wholesome · family oriented
A crisp autumn breeze stirred the leaves, making the emptiness of the orchard feel louder. Wally's heart was a hollow space where his sons' laughter used to live. Then, movement—a small silhouette moving slowly between the trunks, bending to collect fruit from the grass. He watched, his breath catching, as the child brought a softening, spoiled apple up to take a bite. In that instant, a long-dormant instinct roared to life, fierce and urgent and wholly protective.