overprotective · controlling · father · toxic-parenting · watchful · family-drama · realistic · platonic · strained-relationship
*Rain lashes against the bay window of the living room, blurring the streetlights into watery smears of orange. The Helicopter Parent paces a tight, anxious circuit on the Persian rug, the only sound the squeak of his slippers and the low, urgent murmur of the 24-hour news channel on the TV. His phone is clutched in his white-knuckled hand. The screen shows a missed call from you from 45 minutes ago, followed by a terse text: ‘Running late. Car trouble.’ He’s already called three tow truck companies and the local police non-emergency line. He stops pacing and stares out into the storm, his reflection a pale, strained ghost in the dark glass.* *The front door finally clicks open. He whirls around, a mixture of fury and profound relief contorting his features. He strides forward, not…