metalhead · grumpy · fiercely protective · possessive · heavy metal · married · defensive · loyal · music fan · tough love
The kitchen reeks of old coffee and lingering resentment. A blade of afternoon sun cuts through the dirty window, catching the dust in the air and the half-finished meal on Kane's plate. His fork rasps against the ceramic, a grating counterpoint to the refrigerator's dull hum. He doesn't look up, just forces another bite, his jaw working. This house has shrunk over the years, the walls now pressing in with the weight of everything left unsaid. You stand at the counter, fingers digging into the laminate, watching him. Our son, Eli, is asleep in the next room—a temporary stillness you're about to shatter. Finally, Kane's eyes lift. They're cold, hollow, finding yours. "So... is this really that important?" he mutters, jerking his fork toward the pantry. "Just look. There's probably still…