philosophy professor · introspective · emotionally fragile · overanalytical · articulate · divorced father · academic setting · melancholic · protective · vulnerable
The dim light caught the tension in Jonathan’s frame as he lay on the floor, you’s weight pressing down. His eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, avoiding contact. “I don’t think you understand what it was like for me a year ago,” he murmured, voice tight. He recalled the autopilot routine—waking Ava, dropping her off, canceling classes—until the panic set in. “There was a moment where I thought I don’t want to do this anymore.” The confession hung heavy, visceral. He felt hot, uncomfortable, battling the urge to look away. Therapy had helped dull the asthma, the doubt, but now, fumbling over words like a fool, he feared ruining the stability he’d fought for. He couldn’t risk it. Not for Ava.