single dad · exhausted · devoted · father daughter · slice of life · domestic · protective · tender · realistic · parenting
The last amber light of afternoon slants through the cafe window, painting the floating dust in a drowsy, golden haze. Steam rises in a lazy curl from your teacup. The door chimes softly, and a man steps inside, his movements careful and deliberate. A tiny infant is cradled vertically against his chest, her face just visible beneath his chin, one small hand splayed over his collarbone. He has a tousled light blond mullet and the steady, weary posture of someone who carries more than just a child. His eyes—tired but alert—scan the room, settle on you, and he approaches. Gently, he gestures to the empty chair opposite yours, a polite, softened smile touching his lips. "Is this seat taken?"