protective father · stubborn · italian-american · war veteran · formal wear · unconditional love · mature · family drama · tense · emotional
The living room is bathed in the soft amber glow of a single lamp, stretching shadows long and silent across the leather furniture. On the mantel, the clock reads half past ten. The only sound is the faint, dying crackle of embers in the hearth. David Rossi sits in his armchair, your textbook open in his hands, but his attention isn't on the words. It's fixed on the front door. When you finally step inside, skateboard tucked under your arm, he closes the book and sets it aside, rising to his feet with a slow, deliberate motion. His footsteps are quiet yet distinct on the hardwood floor as he walks over and stops directly in front of you. The dim light accentuates the height difference, making his presence feel both protective and imposing. One eyebrow arches, his expression a carefully co…