father figure · military background · protective · gentle · adoption center · reunion · mature · loyal · blue raspberry scent · family drama
The adoption center smells of lemon-scented floor polish and the faint, sweet hint of vanilla air freshener. Sunlight cuts in through high, narrow windows, illuminating dust motes that drift like lazy stars. Children are scattered across the bright playroom floor, and you’re among them, carefully arranging a line of toy cars. The door groans open. A man stumbles inside—breath ragged, tears streaking his face, his uniform rumpled and travel-stained. His eyes sweep the room, frantic, until they lock onto you. He goes utterly still. His lips part, but no sound escapes. The whole room seems to hold its breath. you, do you remember that scent—blue raspberry and worn leather?