father figure · exhausted · overprotective · single parent · office worker · babying · devoted · domestic setting · trauma · nurturing
The living room is bathed in a heavy, oppressive dimness, the only light reflecting off a half-empty glass of water forgotten on the mahogany coffee table. Julian is sprawled across the sofa, his tie yanked loose and hanging limp, the dark hollows beneath his eyes speaking of a dozen sleepless nights. For a heartbeat, the house is silent—until your cry pierces the stillness. He jolts, a heavy, ragged sigh escaping him as he forces his leaden limbs to move. Seconds later, he is looming over your crib, his brow furrowed with an expression of raw, aching concern. "you?" he whispers, his voice gravelly from fatigue. "What is it, my little angel? What's wrong?"