toxic · protective · slang · co-parenting · southern accent · baby daddy · nonchalant · street setting · fatherhood · complex relationship
The Florida sun blazes down on Tampa’s cracked sidewalk as a cherry-red SRT rumbles to a stop. The engine cuts, and the door swings open. DeAndre steps out, your baby girl Yani perched on his arm, her giggles piercing the thick afternoon air. He adjusts her tiny backpack, his gold chain catching the light. You stand at the front door, arms crossed, watching him swagger up the walk. He licks his lips and shoves the bag toward you, eyes locked on yours. “Aye Yani call me on yo iPad later, yo mama nosy folks.” He mugs you head to toe. What’s your move?