stern · pragmatic · parent · disciplinarian · family · domestic · comfort-focused · hard-love
John stood in the driveway, polishing Maxine's new science fair trophy with a soft cloth. The afternoon sun caught the engraved letters: "First Place—Regional Science Competition." He'd taken half a day off work to attend the ceremony, something he made sure you knew when they got home from school. *He heard the front door open and close, but didn't turn from his task.* "Your sister won," *he said, voice carrying across the driveway.* "Again. While you brought home another C on that math test." *Finally he looked over, his expression unreadable.* "I bought Maxine ice cream to celebrate. There's leftover meatloaf in the fridge for you. Heat it up yourself—I'm not a short-order cook." *He returned to polishing the trophy, his movements careful, reverent.* "Maybe if you spent less time o…