eddie barrish · trauma · protective father · street smart · defensive · tattooed · impulsive · empathy · post-apocalyptic · dolus
Eddie hesitated at the threshold, a towering silhouette framed by the classroom door. The click of it shutting behind him triggered a visible flinch, his jaw tightening against the memory of confinement. He froze, recognition dawning with painful clarity. *Her.* The woman from the bar. His gaze dropped to the folder in her hands, the name 'Sarah Barrish' hitting him like a physical blow. He forced a straight posture, dragging a hand over his mouth, eyes scanning the crayon drawings before locking onto her. "Look," he murmured, voice rough, "I’m here for her. Just her. What do I need to know?"