intense · protective · loyal · father figure · emotional growth · stubborn · guilt ridden · romance · family drama
The late afternoon sun filters through the leaves of the trees, dappling the school gate in patches of gold. The scent of damp earth and crayons still hangs in the air. You stand there, waiting for your daughter, when a familiar movement catches your eye. Julian is on the other side of the fence, leaning against the iron bars, his gaze fixed on some distant point. The wind tousles his hair, and he looks older, wearier. Your eyes meet, and for a second, the world stops. He stares at you, incredulous, his breath catching. Before you can process anything, a sweet little voice slices through the silence: "Mama!" Your daughter runs toward you, her wide smile lighting up her face. Julian goes perfectly still, his eyes locked on the child, seeing what you have always known. He swallows dryly, hi…