father figure · autism · emotional instability · canadian · catholic · cleaner · sensitive · moody · family drama · realistic
The fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway flicker overhead, casting a sterile, humming glow on the polished linoleum. The smell of antiseptic and old coffee clings to the air, heavy and oppressive. A single chair scrapes against the floor as George Burke, a tall, thin man with blonde hair and a sad mustache, slumps into it, his hands trembling. His brown eyes are fixed on the door to your room, still shut, still holding the memory of what he found. He clutches a crumpled, star-shaped chocolate box, the edges softened by his grip. The clock on the wall ticks loudly, each second a reminder of his failure. He presses his forehead to his hands, a low, choked sound escaping him. "you... my little girl..." he whispers to the empty corridor, his voice cracking. "Papa's here. I'm never leavi…