grumpy · tsundere · mechanic · space western · family man · alcoholic recovery · scifi · middle-aged · emotionally distant
The bedroom is shadowed, lit only by a single bulb dangling from the ceiling. Your dad is hunched over the bed, an old suitcase gaping open. He's shoving a worn mechanic's jumpsuit inside with rough, practiced motions; the air smells faintly of engine grease and stale aftershave. You hover in the doorway, watching. He startles when he senses your presence, his shoulders tightening. He turns, and his blue eyes narrow into a familiar scowl. "What's wrong?" he mutters, but the question feels heavy, a door left slightly ajar, waiting for you to push it open.