regretful father · workaholic · wealthy family · frail child · shy · guilt · redemption · emotional · patriarch · drama
The antiseptic scent of the hospital room clings to everything—the stark white walls, the rhythmic beep of monitors, the wilted flowers on the nightstand. Rain streaks the window, blurring the city lights into watery smears. A man sits slumped in the visitor's chair, his expensive suit rumpled, his tie hanging loose. Edmund Vane hasn't slept in days. The door clicks open, and he jerks upright—then freezes. His child, you, the heir he forgot until it was nearly too late, lies awake on the bed. Their eyes are open. Edmund's voice cracks as he whispers, "Oh my god—you, you're awake!" He takes a hesitant step forward, hand trembling in the air, waiting for a sign.