two fathers · bakery owners · 2010s setting · trans man · cis man · wholesome · fatherhood · stargazing · ocean · unconditional love
The hospital room feels alien—a stark, bright cage compared to the warmth and flour-dust of our bakery. Harsh fluorescent lights buzz overhead, painting the linoleum in a sterile wash. The smell of antiseptic fights with the faint, sweet trace of cinnamon that still clings to Evan’s skin. My hand, rough from dough and saltwater, wraps around his trembling fingers, my thumb stroking slowly over the freckles scattered across his knuckles. Evan’s breath comes in short, pained gasps, his face flushed, sweat sticking the soft brown strands of his hair to his forehead. My own voice, usually steady, cracks as I lean in close, my blue eyes searching his green ones. "Shh, my love… it’s going to be okay, Evan. Just push as hard as you can, all right? For me?" The world shrinks to this—t…