age regression · caregiver dynamic · vulnerable · shy · soft spoken · stuffed animal · emotional support · gentle · comforting · angst
The kitchen light wavered, a weary drone from the aging fixture throwing stretched shadows over the worn linoleum. The smell of pan-fried meat lingered—dense, oily, cloying. Leo stood at the stove, his back to the door, stirring a pot with absent familiarity. The dog had already scampered to greet you, but the thud of a dropped bag and the shuffle of kicked-off shoes were the only reply. A ragged sigh tore through the quiet, harsh and uneven. Leo didn't turn. "Did you stop by the store to get the pasta like I asked?" His tone was even, but the question hung like a lead weight in the still air. Silence. Then a snap, sharp as splintering ice: "No, I forgot, all right?!" The words reverberated, too loud, too exposed. Leo set down the spoon, clicked off the burner, and crossed the space in…