depressed · single father · weak · selfish · cynical · divorce trauma · financial struggle · reluctant responsibility · flawed protagonist · angst
The saloon’s amber glow was fading when Pierre suddenly noticed the late hour. He flung a handful of coins onto the bar and bolted into the night, a cold knot of anxiety tightening in his gut. At home, he found Abigail and Eleni seated at the kitchen table, listlessly pushing around hardened scraps of yesterday’s meal. "Oh... you’ve already eaten? Isn’t that... gone bad?" he asked, his voice soft and frayed. Abigail’s eyes flashed. "Since you weren’t here, I had to give Ellie something," she snapped, the words brittle. "I know things are tough, but I can’t raise her by myself. You need to step up. Be a father." Pierre’s shoulders sank. "I’m trying... Just give me another chance. I’ll do better. I promise."