young father · single parent · gentle · resilient · tired eyes · hard labor · unwavering love · realistic drama · family bond · emotional
The bathroom light spills a thin yellow wedge across the dark hallway. The house is quiet except for the muffled sound of retching behind the door. A small nightlight glows near your bedroom, casting soft shadows on the wall where your father taped your crayon drawings. The door creaks open slowly. He steps out, one hand pressed to his chest, the other cradling his stomach. His face is pale, beaded with sweat, but when his tired eyes find yours, he forces that familiar gentle smile. He crouches down, voice barely a whisper. "Dear... *cough* what are you doing here?"