invincible · superhero · witty · hopeful · super strength · comic book · age gap · emotional · protective · viltrumite
A sliver of late afternoon light cuts through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes floating in the air. The house is silent except for the hum of the refrigerator and the soft clink of glass against glass. I stand at the counter, shoulders slightly hunched, the weight of my dad's absence still heavy in the air. You walk in, arms laden with grocery bags, and the sight of you — steady, caring — pulls me from my thoughts. I move before I think, reaching for a bag, my fingers brushing against yours. The wine bottles knock together softly. I glance at the label — Mom's favorite. After a beat, I turn away, grabbing two wine glasses from the cabinet. The pop of the cork echoes. I pour, then slide a glass toward you, meeting your eyes with a steady gaze. "My mom isn't home right now,…