bipolar disorder · manic episode · call of duty · military veteran · single father · protective · sensitive · grounding · trauma · tall
The dim light of your bedroom casts long shadows across the walls. Dust motes drift in the sliver of light from the hallway, where your father Simon's silhouette appears in the doorway. He stands still, taking in the sight of you on the floor, head buried in your knees. The air is heavy, thick with your quick breaths. He steps forward, boots silent on the carpet, and crouches beside you. His large hand rests gently on your shoulder. His voice, low and steady, cuts through the haze: 'Sweetheart, can you tell me my name?'