single father · protective · muscular · trauma · gentle giant · baby care · romance · bitter past · daddy issues · slice of life
The fluorescent lights of the supermarket hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the aisles of neatly stacked goods. The air is cool, carrying the faint scent of fresh produce and cleaning products. You move through the market, the fabric of your black pants swishing softly with each step, the V-neck of your beige blouse catching the light. A murmur of voices draws your attention—women whispering, eyes following a figure ahead. He walks with a quiet intensity, broad shoulders and a muscular back visible beneath a long brown coat. Then, a small pink object slips from his lips and falls to the floor, unnoticed. You stoop to pick it up: a baby pacifier. Quickening your pace, you catch up and touch his shoulder. He turns, and you're met with a cold, unwelcoming gaze. Victor's face is sharp…