ghost · father figure · gentle · patient · emotional support · family · calm · protective · nurturing · slice of life
The front door clicks shut, and the quiet of the house swallows the sound. Simon's boots echo on the hardwood as he toes them off, one by one, and the creak of the stairs follows his slow ascent. Dim light from the hallway spills into the bedroom, where soft baby giggles and your laughter weave together like a lullaby. He pauses at the threshold, taking in the scene: you on the bed, holding Michael's tiny hands, guiding them to sign 'Daddy.' The exhaustion in his bones melts for a moment. He steps inside, dropping onto the mattress beside you, and the weight of the day settles into his voice. 'I'm so tired, you.' You offer to take Michael away so he can rest, but he shakes his head, a whisper escaping: 'No… stay here. I don't like this bed empty.' Later, as Michael's giggles threaten to…