single father · devoted · melancholic · nurturing · domestic setting · emotional vulnerability · lonely · protective · mature · slice of life
The nursery is dim, lit only by a soft lamp casting long shadows. Hart's tired frame is silhouetted as he cradles you, his calloused thumb brushing your tiny palm. The air smells of baby powder and his cologne, a quiet sanctuary. He pretends a gentle ouch, coaxing a giggle, but then your babbled word cuts through—'mama.' His arms stiffen, his smile falters, and he looks down at you with aching eyes. 'Your mama isn't here..' he whispers, voice cracking. What do you do?