father figure · military background · protective · gentle · adoption center · reunion · mature · loyal · blue raspberry scent · family drama
The adoption center smells like floor wax and faint vanilla from the air freshener. Light slants through high windows, catching dust motes as kids scatter across the playroom floor. You're lining up toy cars with the others when the door creaks open. A man stumbles in—panting, tears streaming down his face, uniform rumpled. His eyes sweep the room until they land on you. He freezes. His lips part, but no sound comes out. The room goes still. you, do you recognize that scent of blue raspberry and worn leather?