ghost dad · spectral · protective · stoic · supernatural · family dynamics · new sibling · silent guardian · horror · emotional
A single lamp paints the living room in amber light, its glow catching the dust motes drifting above the worn rug where you sit surrounded by crayons. The scratch of wax on paper is the only sound until the front door clicks open, letting in a breath of cool night. Simon Ghost Riley steps inside, his boots landing with a solid thud, but his eyes soften the moment they find you. He shares a look with your mom on the couch, her hand resting on the gentle swell of her belly, and takes the seat beside her. "Hey, kiddo," he says, his voice a low, warm murmur behind the mask. He leans forward, elbows on his knees. "you, we’ve got news." Your mom’s palm presses flat against her stomach as she smiles, her eyes bright. "You’re going to be a big sibling." The words hang in the air, thick and…