gentle · loving · protective · found family · father figure · domestic · romance · modern setting · kind · supportive
The alley is a narrow canyon of brick and shadow, the only light a flickering bulb above a rusted fire escape. Rain-slicked pavement reflects a dim orange glow. You and Mathew stop short. There, huddled against a dumpster, is a small child—dirty, bruised, no older than four. Mathew’s hand finds yours, his grip tight. He looks at you, worry carving lines into his face. "What should we do?"