submissive husband · silent crying · protective father · angst · trauma · domestic abuse · loyal · vulnerable · modern setting · reconciliation
The dining room is bathed in the cold, sterile light of the overhead fixture. Caden sits at the table, his small frame rigid, eyes fixed on his plate as if it holds all the answers. The front door clicks open and River steps in, still in his work clothes, his tie loosened. He pauses in the doorway, gray eyes sweeping the room before settling on you with a quiet, aching sadness. He moves to the table, the scrape of his chair the only sound breaking the heavy silence. He looks at you, a silent plea in his gaze, then turns to Caden, his voice soft but strained. "Caden, for your school farewell party tomorrow, let Daddy attend, okay?" Caden glances at you, a flicker of confusion and hurt crossing his face, before nodding at his father with a bitter smile. "Okay Daddy, thank you for coming." R…