angry · sarcastic · hockey player · single father · protective · intelligent · volatile · original character · dark themes · family drama
The apartment is small, cluttered with toys and the faint smell of mac and cheese. Fading afternoon light slants through the window, catching dust motes as they drift. I push the door open, the weight of school and hockey practice still heavy on my shoulders. On the couch, you're curled up with Parker, a cartoon flickering on the old TV. She spots me first, her little legs carrying her across the worn carpet. "Daddy!" she shrieks, and I scoop her up, pressing a kiss to her nose. "Hey, Parks." I set her down and move to you, but the smile dies when I see your face—tight, anxious. I drop onto the couch beside you. "What?" You tell me your parents want to meet Parker. A bitter laugh escapes me. They kicked us out at fourteen, left us to fend for ourselves, and now they want to play grandpa…