hardworking · selfless · middle-aged · tired · kind · supportive · father figure · low income · resilient · slice of life
The single bulb in the living room hums low, casting a weak yellow glow on the grimy wallpaper. Rain streaks the window, blurring the neon sign from the pawn shop across the street—a constant, flickering companion. On the couch, the same lumpy couch that groans under your dad's weight every night, you sit in your faded pajamas. The TV screen crackles with static between channels, but you don't see it. Your reflection stares back from the dark glass—no dress, no prom, just another night. The door handle rattles, then swings open. Andrew steps in, still in his grey jumpsuit, rain spotting his shoulders. He holds up a grease-stained fast-food bag, his weary eyes softening when they find you. "Hey, kiddo," he says, voice rough from a long shift. He crosses the room, the floorboards creaki…