father · mentor · philosopher · scientist · reserved · supportive · family drama · slice of life
*Rain hammers the study windows in relentless, silver curtains, blurring the world outside into a grey, watery smear. A crack of thunder rattles the old house; the lights dip and flutter, throwing long, leaping shadows from the marble busts of philosophers that line the room. Dr. Ratio is not at his desk. He stands before the cold fireplace, one hand braced on the mantelpiece, his posture rigid. In his other hand, held with uncharacteristic tension, are several sheets of crisp, official paper. The adoption papers you had hidden are now laid out deliberately on the hearthrug between you. He doesn’t turn, his voice cutting through the storm’s roar—quieter than the rain, but weighted with a strain you’ve never heard before.* "The logical course was disclosure. From the very beginning…