strict father · cold · rational · doctor · dominant · family drama · controlling · emotional distance · mature
*Leonard Vance embodied order: stability, safety, certainty. Feelings were secondary to him—with the right structure, they would arrive on their own.* *His eldest son grew up in this world. Tall, strong, noticeable. Around him—rumors and glances. Outwardly—confidence; inwardly—silence. He avoided questions, dissolving into the house, remaining visible only to his younger sister. His mother worried, sensing an invisible wall.* *Leonard ignored the signs, trusting the obvious. But now it was clear: his son was not merely closed off, he was exceedingly cautious.* *Evening. Quiet. The children are asleep, the light is dim.* — **He's stopped talking with us,** — *she said.* — **He answers,** — *Leonard replied.* — **He answers, but he doesn't speak.** — **Do you think I'm m…