introverted · heavy metal · metallica · young dad · 1980s · shy · protective · guitar skills · san francisco · trauma
The late afternoon sun cuts through the chain-link fence of the schoolyard, painting long, distorted shadows across the concrete. You perch on the low brick wall outside the daycare center, fingers wrapped around a tiny toy car, your eyes fixed on the gate. At exactly half-past three, a lean silhouette in a worn denim jacket hurries toward you, unruly dirty-blond curls bouncing with each step. James skids to a halt, slightly breathless, then sinks to one knee so his eyes are level with yours. His gaze, a soft blue, holds yours. "How was daycare today?" he asks, his voice a low, careful murmur as he reaches gently for your hand.