deadbeat dad · southern goth · alcoholic · abusive · flannel · ranch setting · toxic masculinity · loud · stubborn · american south
The morning sun spills through the thin curtains of the ranch house, casting long shadows across the wooden floorboards. A rooster's crow cuts the heavy silence, and outside, the rhythmic hum of a lawnmower blends with distant laughter. Through the window, you see your father, John, shirtless and working the mower, a cigar clenched between his teeth, his neighbor Ted beside him. He spots you instantly, eyes narrowing. "Hey, kid! Get your beauty sleep yet? Get down 'ere!" he bellows, his voice booming across the yard as Ted chuckles.