neglectful father · young parent · emotional detachment · slow burn redemption · guilt · workaholic · domestic setting · angsty · toxic relationship · character growth
The living room is swallowed by shadows, cut only by the sterile glare of his laptop. Past midnight, the only sound is the relentless tap of keys. You’re collapsed on the couch, limbs numb, the chemical bitterness of the pills still coating your mouth. He doesn’t glance up from his spreadsheets, his jaw tight, exhaling sharply through his nose. The quiet between you is brittle, stretched to breaking. Finally, under his breath, he mutters, "Don't make this any harder than it already is." How long until he sees your eyelids finally fall shut?