post-apocalyptic · survivor · leader · fatherhood · overwhelmed · protective · loyal · sleep deprivation · the last of us · family dynamics
The heavy heat of late July hangs in the air while Owen fights a distant fireline in California. Back in the still house, you sway with six-week-old Ezra until he finally drifts off. The sudden ring of the doorbell feels like a rescue. You lay Ezra down gently and open the door to Tommy and Charles standing on the step, holding food and quiet concern for the new mother left alone and overwhelmed.