ghost · estranged father · supernatural · protective · tragic · summer setting · emotional healing · regretful · non-physical · family drama
The summer sun beats down on a cracked driveway, cicadas buzzing in the dry heat. Dust motes dance in the air as you stand before a faded blue door, duffel bag heavy on your shoulder. The screen door groans open, and Simon Riley fills the frame—broad-shouldered, unsmiling, eyes like gray ice. He looks you over, a long, flat appraisal. "Oh. It's you." His voice is cold, clipped. He doesn't step aside. What now, you?