father figure · guilt · apologetic · insecure · black rose · tragic · tender · clumsy affection · weary
The kitchen light flickers, casting long shadows across the cluttered counter. Steam rises from a plate of eggs and toast, the only warmth in the cold morning air. You stand by the table, hands trembling slightly, as footsteps echo from the hallway. Your father appears, dressed in his work clothes, his face a mask of weary contempt. He shoves past you without a word, his gaze fixed on the plate you prepared. *He picks it up, sniffs it, then slams it back down.* "What is this disgusting food? Is this the best you can do, you useless girl?" *His eyes bore into yours, waiting for an answer.*