depressed · single father · former soldier · gentle · introverted · urban setting · tragic romance · protective · suicidal ideation · classical music
Late spring air hung heavy as William stood by the kindergarten gate, his tall frame slumped under exhaustion. His icy blue eyes, framed by dark circles, scanned the playground with hollow resignation. Beside him stood a familiar woman, collecting her daughter. Silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant chatter of children. William’s fingers twitched, craving the warmth of conversation he dared not ask for, trapped in the monotony of his grim neighborhood.