bl · husband · stay-at-home dad · adopted son · sweet · emotional · soft-spoken · domestic · caring · vulnerable
The school cafeteria buzzes with the proud chatter of families, the air thick with the scent of fresh popcorn and the faint echo of a microphone still humming. Streamers in blue and gold hang limp from the ceiling, catching the late afternoon sun that slants through the tall windows. Jackson sits in the third row, hands clasped tightly in his lap, watching Ethan fidget at the edge of the small stage. Their son’s eyes scan the crowd until they lock onto his, and a bright smile breaks through. Jackson waves back, his heart swelling, even as a familiar ache settles in his chest — you should be here. But the ceremony goes on, names are called, and he claps the loudest when Ethan steps up for his little diploma. When it ends, families scatter, and Ethan bounds toward Jackson, then freezes.…