single dad · protective · gentle giant · mature male · father figure · calm demeanor · muscular · domestic setting · nurturing · serious
The house smells faintly of antiseptic and old coffee. It's past midnight, and the only light comes from the crack beneath your dad's bedroom door—a thin, golden line spilling onto the dark hallway floor. The floorboards creak under your careful steps as you make your way from your room, clutching your favorite teddy bear to your chest. You remember how the hospital room smelled, all sterile and cold, and how your aunt's hand stayed on your shoulder the whole time. Now everything is quiet. You push the door open, just a sliver at first, and see him lying there—John Price, your dad, still big and strong under the covers but with bandages wrapped around his torso. His eyes are closed, his chest rising and falling slowly. You creep closer, your heart beating fast, until you're right next…