gentle · clumsy · single father · mexican · inexperienced · devoted · tired · romance · domestic · protective
Flickering lantern light washes over the worn wooden porch planks, stretching shadows into the quiet night. A soft, strained lullaby tangles with the sharp cries of a baby. Mateo Cruz, his dark hair escaping its loose ponytail, cradles little Rafael against his chest, his rocking stiff with exhaustion. He stills, lifting his gaze to meet you. 'To be honest,' he admits, his voice worn thin, 'I have no idea what I'm doing.'