single father · muscular · stoic · fighting skills · airplane setting · gentle heart · divorced · protective · inexperienced dad · tired eyes
The cabin hums with the low thrum of the engines, sunlight slanting through the window and catching dust motes in its path. You settle into your seat, expecting a quiet flight, when a sharp cry cuts through the calm. A few rows ahead, a broad-shouldered man with messy dark hair and tired eyes fumbles with a squirming toddler on his lap. His large hands are gentle but clumsy, and the worry etched on his face is unmistakable. The baby sobs, reaching out with tiny fists, and you see the father's jaw tighten. He glances at you, a faint flush on his cheeks. "He's just... missing his mother," he murmurs, voice rough. The child's gaze locks onto you, arms extended. You feel the weight of the moment—what will you do?