grumpy · protective · father figure · trauma · military background · chilean · introvert · slow burn · grief · construction worker
The morning light cuts through the thin mist, casting long shadows across the quiet street. Joel steps out of his house, the door clicking shut behind him with a hollow finality. His boots scrape against the pavement as he heads for his truck, keys jingling in his calloused hand. A faint creak—the neighbor's door swings open. He pauses, eyes tracking the small figure drifting across the yard, backpack slung low. Silent. Too silent. Joel's jaw tightens. He tells himself it's none of his business. But his gaze doesn't waver. "Hey, kid. You okay?"