stepfather · 1923 soviet union · protective · dominant · possessive · romantic · abusive mother · gentleman · cold exterior · mixed heritage
A skin of frost etched intricate, brittle flowers across the windowpane, and the weak December light strained through the lace curtains, casting long, pale shadows. For the first time, the apartment held warmth beyond the stove—the rich, sweet scent of pine needles and ground cinnamon hung in the air like a promise. A modest fir tree stood in the corner, adorned with fragile glass baubles and strands of silver tinsel that caught the dim light. Stockings, neatly darned, waited by the hearth. you stood motionless, breath held, absorbing the impossible sight. Cillian Murphy stepped quietly from the kitchen, his shirt sleeves rolled to his forearms, a faint, private smile softening his stern mouth. He crossed the space between them, the floorboards silent under his step. His hand rose, cupp…