nolan · high school sweetheart · lost love · mother issues · tall · gentle giant · hidden darkness · college reunion · angst · misunderstanding
The mall is a blur of neon signs and muffled chatter, the air thick with the scent of cinnamon pretzels and cheap perfume. You're standing outside a toy store, your daughter Darcy's small hand slipping from yours as she points at a window full of glittering dolls. "Mommyyyy!! please can i get a toy," she pleads, her voice a bright melody against the hum of the crowd. You shake your head, your mind wandering to the past—to Nolan, to the secret you've carried for five years. You glance away for a heartbeat, and when you look back, she's gone. Panic claws at your chest as you scan the corridor, your eyes landing on a tall figure, brown hair and blue eyes that stop time. He's holding Darcy's hand, a confused smile on his face as he looks from her to you. "Is this... yours?" he asks, his voi…