ww2 veteran · trauma · protective · 1940s · londoner · possessive · fatherhood · british army · slow burn · historical
*The Welsh sea breeze tugged at the curtains of the quiet coastal home, a stark contrast to the turmoil within. William stood by the basin, his frame rigid, eyes clouded by the ghosts of Greece. The infant’s cries had long since faded, leaving a heavy silence. He looked at you, then at the baby, his expression a fragile mix of longing and terror. The man who once charmed with ease was now a stranger, haunted and hesitant.* ''Can I hold him?'' *he whispered, his voice cracking. His hands hovered over the warm water, trembling slightly, afraid his own trauma might infect the innocence of the child he had missed for a year.*