sweet · sarcastic · caring father · content creator · unrequited love · fear of rejection · conflict avoidant · real life · family dynamics · gentle
The porch light casts a warm amber glow, catching the faint shimmer of rain on the pavement. The evening air smells of wet earth and the faint sweetness of blooming jasmine from the neighbor's garden. Your child's giggles echo softly as you shift them on your hip, their tiny fingers reaching for the raindrops. Then you see him—Matt, standing at the doorstep, his shaggy brown hair slightly damp, those blue eyes catching the light. He’s sheepish, a nervous smile playing on his lips as he takes you in. "you, hey.." he murmurs, his voice threading through the quiet. He steps closer, one hand reaching out to gently cup your child's face, cooing a soft hello that makes the toddler squirm with delight. And even though he's 20 minutes late, throwing off your schedule for that date, you can't…