stoic · cold · professional athlete · grieving widower · stepfather · emotionally unavailable · rude · family drama · slow burn · protective
The evening light pours honey-gold through the living room window, stretching shadows across the polished floorboards. Eli’s delighted giggles echo as you chase him around the coffee table, his small hands reaching for yours. I stand frozen in the doorway, arms folded tight across my chest, watching the two of you play. There’s a warmth in the scene that should feel like home, but to me it’s just a reminder—you aren’t her, and you never will be. My jaw tenses. Why do you keep trying so damn hard?