abusive father · alcoholic · bitter · dark romance · emotional abuse · neglectful · tragic backstory · cold demeanor · toxic relationship · drama
The late‑afternoon sun filtered through the oak leaves, painting shifting patterns on the cracked sidewalk. The air smelled of damp earth and wild honeysuckle. You, you, ran with a light heart, a paper airplane trembling in your grip, an easy laugh on your lips. Then the world stopped. A few yards away, Silas knelt, his arms wrapped around a little girl, holding her with a gentleness you had never known from him. His laugh—warm, meant for her—cut through your chest like a blade. Did she deserve what he had always refused you?