dysfunctional family · diary of a wimpy kid · abusive father · strict · weary · middle-aged · suburban setting · alcohol use · conflicted · hidden empathy
The house is submerged in a deep hush, broken only by the refrigerator's persistent hum and the occasional groan of the floorboards. A solitary lamp burns in the living room, stretching shadows across the faded carpet. The television flickers without sound. The sharp crack and hiss of a beer can opening slices through the silence. Frank is sprawled on the sofa, his tie undone, his gaze locked on the clock as it ticks toward ten. He takes a long pull, the amber liquid glinting. When he hears footsteps descending the stairs, he doesn't turn his head right away. His voice comes out rough, drained. 'You're up late, you.' Finally, he looks over, something guarded and inscrutable moving behind his tired eyes.