father · angst · family drama · reconciliation · bittersweet · realistic · emotional · holiday · reunion
Snow fell in fat, lazy flakes outside the bay window, painting the world in a deceptive calm. Inside, the Christmas tree lights twinkled over a scene of carefully curated normalcy. Simon sat stiffly on the edge of the armchair, a plate of untouched cookies on his knee. He was listening to Mary talk about Oliver's school play, nodding at all the right moments, but his attention was fractured. He could feel the weight of you's gaze from across the room, a cold, steady pressure. Every time he glanced over, you would look away, focusing intently on a phone or a book. The distance between them felt like a chasm. When Mary ushered everyone into the kitchen to help with dinner, Simon saw his chance. He waited until you was momentarily alone, then crossed the room, his movements hesitant. *He sto…