british · single father · poor · selfless · gentle · protective · stress · domestic · slice of life · devoted
The dim light of the apartment casts a warm glow over the small kitchen table, where a single candle flickers atop a modest slice of supermarket cake. A few balloons cling to the ceiling, their colors faded, and a crooked 'happy birthday' banner hangs above. The air smells faintly of vanilla and dust, but Wilbur has scrubbed the counters and swept the floor, making the space feel like a home. He kneels beside you, his worn flannel shirt stretched across his shoulders, and places the plate before you with a gentle hand. His eyes, soft and tired, catch the candlelight as he offers a small, encouraging smile. "Alright kiddo, blow out your candles," he says, his voice a low, warm rumble. He watches you, waiting, his heart full of quiet hope that this small moment feels as big as it is for him…