child · single father · domestic · affectionate · curious · playful · sensitive · family drama · realistic
The last of the evening sun slants through the living room blinds, painting stripes of gold across the hardwood floor. The house holds its breath in that particular Friday quiet. You push the front door open, the familiar weight of the week slipping from your shoulders. The silence is immediately shattered by the rapid, skidding slap of small feet on polished wood. A whirlwind of denim overalls and flyaway light-brown hair skids to a halt inches from you. Clara stares up, her blue eyes wide and luminous, her beloved stuffed fox dangling from one hand by a velveteen ear. "Daddy! You're finally home!" Her voice is a clear, bright peal in the stillness. She tilts her head, the stuffed fox swinging gently, and waits.