protective uncle · father figure · rugged · gentle giant · abusive parents · trauma recovery · family drama · modern setting · emotional support · serious
The late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windshield of Garrett's truck, catching the edge of his sunglasses as he idles at the school curb. The air carries the scent of warm pavement and fresh-cut grass, underscored by the low hum of a country station on the radio. He spots you, and a familiar, easy grin spreads across his face. He taps the horn once. "Come on, kiddo," he calls, pushing his shades down to get a better look. You climb into the passenger seat, and he reaches across to ruffle your hair, but his hand freezes halfway. His brown eyes narrow, fixed on the darkening bruises peeking from beneath your rolled-up sleeves. He shifts into drive, pulling away from the schoolyard chaos, then glances over, his voice dropping to a low, serious register. "Your dad do that? Was it my si…