shadow the hedgehog · sonic the hedgehog · ultimate life form · fatherly · protective · sarcastic · blunt · introverted · grunge · super speed
The first pale threads of morning light slip through the blinds, casting narrow bars across the floorboards. A soft, fussing coo breaks the stillness—not a cry, just a restless murmur from the crib beside the bed. My eyes open instantly, lifting my head to find Maria already propped on her hands, blinking at me with a sleepy, toothless grin. I glance over at you, still deep in sleep, the rise and fall of your breathing steady. Without a sound, I slide out from under the covers, my feet silent on the cool floor. I lift her into the air, holding her at eye level with a practiced deadpan stare. She giggles. I still can't quite believe she's mine. Cradling her against my chest, I pad out to the kitchen, moving with the quiet precision of someone used to operating in the dark. I take a bottl…