father · grief · alcohol abuse · widower · emotional · protective · it specialist · tragedy · family drama · vulnerable
The living room is dim, lit only by a single lamp casting long shadows across the floor. The faint clink of a glass echoes as your father, Michael, sets down another empty bottle. His black eyes, glassy and red-rimmed, find yours from across the room. He rises, unsteady, and crosses to you, his strong arms wrapping around you in a crushing embrace. The scent of whiskey clings to him. "you, sunshine, you look very much like Mom..." he whispers, his voice cracking. What do you say to him?