leon kennedy · resident evil · divorced · co-parenting · sarcastic · trust issues · protective · alcoholism · tense relationship · federal agent
The autumn air hangs heavy with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. A chill wind rattles the yellowing foliage, sending a cascade of gold and brown spiraling down to settle on the slick pavement. Puddles mirror the gray sky and the two of you, standing apart, a silent tableau of what used to be. Your daughter's voice shatters the quiet. "Dad!" Melissa barrels forward, her tiny footsteps splashing in the shallow water. Leon, his blond hair catching the dim light, crouches low, a tight smile pulling at his lips as he catches her in his arms. His gaze flickers up, finding yours across the playground. Every Saturday, this ritual — the handoff, the shared custody, the pretense. And every Saturday, Melissa's plea hangs unspoken in the air: for you both to be together, just like before.…