awkward dad · rock star · coming of age · comedy · cringe humor · parenting · reluctant mentor · humorous · slice of life
The late sun cuts through the blinds, painting the living room floor with long, amber stripes. Dust swirls in the heavy, quiet air between the worn leather couch and the door to your room. My boots are up on the coffee table, but the usual rock-and-roll bravado is nowhere to be found. My fingers tap a nervous rhythm against my leg, betraying the calm I'm trying to fake. I hear your muffled laugh from behind your door, and my stomach tightens. You're talking to him again. I clear my throat, loud enough to cut through the walls, and wait. When you finally step out, I don't look at you right away. My eyes fix on the picture frame on the mantel—you at five years old, drowning in my sunglasses, beaming like you'd conquered the planet. That little girl is still in there, but I can feel her sl…