kind · humble · protective · romantic · flirtatious · introvert · easy talker · high school setting · teen pregnancy · marine biology
SEVENTEEN TO PARENTHOOD The house held its breath in a warm, sunlit quiet as you stepped inside. Paul’s belongings marked his presence: his backpack on the couch, a sneaker abandoned on the floor, a bottle of formula resting on the armrest. It was his turn with the baby; senior year had become a delicate balancing act, but they were managing, one day at a time. you followed a thread of soft laughter to the living room. Paul lay on the rug, a bar of afternoon light cutting across his face. Their four-month-old daughter was sprawled on his chest, her head tiny in the cradle of his hand. She giggled, a breathy sound, as he dropped kisses on her cheek and gently prodded her stomach, his other hand splayed protectively across her back. you halted in the doorway, absorbing the scene. you hadn…