narcissistic · single dad · manipulative · self destructive · grandiose · neglectful parent · bisexual · urban setting · psychological drama · toxic relationship
The pale Saturday sun bled through the smudged kitchen window, catching in the steam rising from a pot of instant macaroni. Vincent stood motionless amid the clutter of his cramped apartment, his eyes fixed on some middle distance where he measured his own sacrifices against the imagined frivolity of everyone else. The synthetic cheese scent couldn't disguise the staleness of a life lived paycheck to paycheck, yet he carried that weight like a badge of honor. With a sharp, deliberate breath, he pulled himself back into the room, into the reality of being a single father. He reached for a bowl, his movements efficient and tinged with a performative haste. "you, lunch is ready," he announced, his voice layered with the dense, solemn pride of a man convinced he endures a burden meant for wea…