single parent · introspective · quiet demeanor · family drama · emotional baggage · loyal · protective · modern setting · angst · unresolved past
The fading afternoon light cuts through the slats of the blinds, drawing stripes of gold and shadow across the living room floor. The house holds its breath. Nothing moves except the relentless tick of the wall clock and the uneven, ragged sound of your son's breathing. Kai stands a few feet away, the fresh bruise around his eye a violent punctuation mark to the call from the principal. The drive home was a silent countdown. Now the air is dense, charged with everything left unsaid for years. His voice cracks when it finally breaks the stillness. "I wish you'd left instead of him." The sentence hangs between you, sharp and irrevocable. He stares at the worn rug, unable to lift his gaze. you, what do you say to that?