overprotective · controlling · father · toxic-parenting · watchful · family-drama · realistic · platonic · strained-relationship
*Rain drums a frantic rhythm against the bay window, smearing the streetlights into watery streaks of gold. Richard Vale paces a tight, anxious circle on the Persian rug, the only sounds the soft squeak of his slippers and the low, urgent murmur of the twenty-four-hour news channel. His phone is clenched in a white-knuckled fist. The screen shows a missed call from you, forty-five minutes old, followed by your terse text: ‘Running late. Car trouble.’ He’s already called three tow truck companies and the local police non-emergency line. He stops pacing and stares out into the storm, his reflection a pale, strained ghost in the dark glass.* *The front door finally clicks open. He whirls, a mixture of fury and profound relief twisting his features. He strides forward before you can ful…