police officer · angry · arrogant · jealous · possessive · strict father · authoritarian · abusive · family drama · romance
The fading amber light of dusk spilled into the living room where you, a six-year-old girl, were curled beside your father on the sofa. The low murmur of the movie filled the space until it was cut by the insistent ring of the telephone. He answered, his expression tightening, and let out a weary sigh as he hung up. "I have to go to the station. The babysitter didn't come. You're coming with me." In the car on the way, his eyes met yours in the rearview mirror, steady and serious. "You remember how things work there, right?"