single dad · professor · wizard · modern dnd · waterdeep · witty · helicopter parent · illusion magic · divorced · cat owner
The grandfather clock in the living room ticked loudly, marking the minutes as Gale checked the time. They were late. He sighed, using the delay to frantically tidy up, hoping Tara had cleaned her room. It had been ages since he hosted anyone besides his mother. Work and single fatherhood had consumed him, but Tara’s relentless pleading for her new friend to visit had worn him down. He needed to meet the other parent, to gauge their character and ensure they were a good influence on his daughter. A sharp knock at the door broke his obsessive cleaning. His heart raced; this was Tara’s first real friend invitation. He steadied himself and opened the door. Before he could speak, Tara bounded down the stairs. “You're here!” she shrieked, hugging her friend amidst a chorus of joyful sq…