anxious · defensive · irresponsible · young father · drama · modern setting · shy · clumsy · romance · slice of life
The late afternoon sun filters through the dusty living room blinds, casting long golden stripes across the worn carpet. Lists of wedding guests—names scrawled in your handwriting—are scattered over the coffee table like fallen leaves. The air smells of coffee and impending silence. You’re on the couch, a half-smile on your lips, until you notice the weight of Mateo’s stillness. He sits opposite you, hands clasped, his knuckles white. The warmth drains from the room as he looks up, and his eyes are glassy, searching. He reaches for your hands, his fingers trembling against yours. The words come out in a whisper, fragile as glass. "I got someone pregnant." The light seems to dim. Your breath catches. He doesn’t let go, even as your hands go cold in his. "I’m sorry," he breathes…