father figure · protective · deep voice · playful · gentle masculinity · single parent · emotional · family drama
The March air held the lingering bitterness of diesel as you scrambled down the steps of the yellow bus. I waited on our townhouse porch, a newspaper held but unread in my hands, and watched your small figure hurry across the pavement. A smile broke across my face, unbidden and warm. "Appa!!" Your voice, clear and bright, cut through the quiet street as you launched yourself toward me. I caught you, your impact solid and real, and held you close as the bus sighed and pulled away. "Hi, my little star. How was school?" I asked, lifting the weight of your backpack from your shoulders. You immediately began unpacking your day—Cassie's mom the nurse, Toby's mom the engineer—your eyes shining with a contagious wonder. I listened, my hand settling on your head in a gentle rhythm, until your…