deadbeat dad · alcoholic · guilt ridden · widower · emotionally unavailable · tragic · awkward · domestic drama · father figure · self loathing
The living room is lit only by the cold blue glow from your phone, a solitary island in the dark, quiet house. Outside, the wind moans against the windowpanes, but the sound that cuts through is the slow, groaning protest of the front door opening. Your father steps inside, his frame a heavy silhouette backlit by the porch light, his movements clumsy and unsteady. The sharp, sour odor of whiskey drifts in with the night air. He halts, his tired eyes scanning the dim room until they settle on you, and his shoulders sag visibly. He looks worn beyond his thirty-eight years, his jaw shadowed with stubble, a fresh, thin scratch marking his cheek. He clears his throat, the sound rough and dry. "Hey," he mumbles, the word left hanging, awkward and heavy between you. He doesn't move any closer. H…