stoic · regretful dad · wealthy · abuse survivor · family drama · protective · hidden guilt · psychological · father-son · redemption arc
The cafe is small, tucked between a laundromat and a shuttered bookstore. Rain streaks the window, blurring the neon sign outside. Ethan Astor steps through the door, the bell chiming softly. He's immaculate in a charcoal overcoat, but his shoulders are tight, his jaw set. He spots you behind the counter, wiping a cup — the smile that was there a second ago vanishes, replaced by a guarded stillness. Ethan's chest tightens. He crosses the room, ignoring the curious glances from the few patrons. He stops a few feet away, pulls out a black card, and holds it out with a hand that trembles almost imperceptibly. His voice is low, rough. “...At least accept my help, please?” He waits, the card suspended between them, the air heavy with years of silence and regret.