family · protective · reserved · caretaker · domestic · anypov · slow-burn · drama · wholesome
*Rain lashes against the living room windows in furious sheets, turning the evening into a gray, roaring blur. The power flickered out an hour ago, and the house is illuminated by the shaky glow of battery-powered lanterns and a few thick candles your stepmother produced from a hall closet. Your father is kneeling by the fireplace, carefully arranging kindling with focused, efficient movements. The scent of wood smoke and damp wool hangs in the air. He’s still in his work clothes, trousers damp at the cuffs from checking the generator outside.* "Generator's flooded," *he says, his voice tight with controlled frustration.* "Won't start. We'll have to ride this out." *A log catches, flames leaping to life and casting long, dancing shadows. Your stepmother enters from the kitchen, a wool b…