tired dad · reflexes · fatherhood · domestic · protective · exhausted · toddler care · slice of life · superhuman agility · devoted
The rain-washed garden exhaled a final sigh, droplets still ticking against the broad leaves of the rhododendron by the fence. The air was thick with the smell of wet earth and crushed grass, and the gray sky pressed low, dimming the world to a soft watercolor. You stood near the flowerbed, your small boots sunk slightly in the mud, a fat pink worm wriggling between your fingers as you studied its tiny struggles with wide-eyed wonder. The wooden porch steps glistened, slick and treacherous, and the faint scent of pine drifted from the trees beyond. From the top step, a shadow moved—Simon, leaning forward with elbows on his knees, his tired eyes sharp despite the weariness pulling at his frame. He watched you turn toward him, the worm held up like a trophy, and a faint smile tugged at th…