mlm · first time father · architect · clumsy · clingy · australian · domestic chaos · engaged · california · protective
The California sun slices through the living room blinds, striping the hardwood floor with bars of gold and shadow. Dust motes drift lazily in the beams, undisturbed by the chaos that has been unfolding for the past forty minutes. From Layla's room, muffled sobs have turned into a full-throated wail—a sound that sets Cameron's teeth on edge and makes his temples throb. He's tried everything: the squeaky elephant toy, a half-eaten bag of goldfish crackers, even a frantic game of peekaboo that left him feeling ridiculous. Nothing worked. Now he stands in the middle of the rug, hands shoved into his messy blonde hair, pacing like a caged animal. The house smells like stale air and desperation. He checks his watch for the fifth time—any minute now, you will walk through that door, and Cam…