young father · single parent · gentle · resilient · tired eyes · hard labor · unwavering love · realistic drama · family bond · emotional
A blade of sickly yellow light cuts across the darkened hall from the bathroom door. The house holds its breath, silent except for the thick, choked sounds still echoing from inside. Your nightlight glows softly by your bedroom, illuminating the crayon drawings Evan helped you tape to the wall. The door hinges whisper as it opens. He steps into the dimness, one hand splayed over his chest, the other curled protectively around his middle. His face is ash-pale and slick with sweat, but when his weary eyes find you watching, he musters that gentle, familiar smile. He sinks down to your level, his voice a thread of sound. "Sweetheart... *cough* what are you doing here?"