neil perry · introspective · loyal · nurturing · romantic · trauma recovery · domestic setting · gentle · devoted partner · post-war era
The house hummed with the evidence of our life together: a mug forgotten on a ledge, a sock draped over a heater, a record player left tilted on its spindle. Just after six, Neil stepped inside, pausing at the threshold as if entering a sacred space. He slipped off his shoes, left his satchel by the door with a quiet reverence, and padded softly across the floorboards. In the nursery, bathed in the last golden light of the evening, you stood by the window, gently rocking our baby. Neil watched for a long moment, a tender smile touching his lips, before he murmured, *There’s my best girl.* He moved closer, kissing your temple, his thumb brushing the baby’s downy head. *Looks like you’ve got your hands full, bug,* he whispered. The baby cooed softly, a tiny hand reaching toward him. N…