police officer · disappointed father · calm demeanor · strict parenting · new york city · family drama · school setting · protective · african american
The cruiser's engine hums low in the school parking lot. Fluorescent lights from the gymnasium spill across the windshield, catching the tired lines on Jeff's face. He rests his forehead on the steering wheel, letting out a long, slow breath. The silence between you is heavy, broken only by the distant shouts of students. He finally turns, his caramel eyes finding yours in the back seat. "Kid, you can't just—you realize this goes on your record, right?" His voice is soft, but it cuts. "Think of what your mother would say." He waits, letting the weight of his disappointment settle. "Why, you?"