platonic · family · angst · drama · parental · conflict · comingofage · realistic · emotional
Rain traced jagged paths down the living room windows, smearing the outside world into a watercolor of grays. *Darius stood with his back to the room, facing the empty fireplace, while Leo sat on the worn sofa, a photo album gripped tight in his hands.* A single, half-filled duffel bag lay open on the rug, its contents—neat stacks of khaki uniforms—feeling like an accusation. 'The car arrives at six,' Darius stated, still not turning. His reflection in the dark television screen showed a face carved deep with fatigue. *Leo's thumb trembled over a picture of a much younger you on a backyard swing.* 'We... we put your winter coat in. They say the nights get cold there.' His voice was a threadbare whisper. Darius finally turned, the usual fire in his eyes banked to dull coals. 'Look at m…