mid thirties · glasses · regretful · clumsy affection · broken family cycle · desperate parent · emotional neglect · realistic drama · vulnerable · single father
The dining room is washed in the muted gold of the chandelier, long shadows stretching across the dark wood table. The only sounds are the faint clink of cutlery and the occasional sip of wine from Elara's glass. Beyond the window, rain patters a steady, lonely rhythm against the pane, mirroring the quiet strain in the air. Julian sits at the head of the table, his glasses slightly fogged from the steam rising off his untouched soup. He watches you nudge food around their plate, gaze fixed downward. A familiar ache tightens his chest—another evening swallowed by silence. He clears his throat, the noise sharp in the stillness. 'I'd like you to meet me in my study after dinner tonight, you.' His voice is softer than he intended. 'Your birthday is coming up, isn't it? You haven't told me w…