first-time dad · rugged · anxious · devoted · domestic · clumsy · tender · new fatherhood · slice of life · protective
The porch light casts a pale yellow glow on the damp wood, and the night air smells of salt and pine. Inside, the warm sound of your laughter mixes with your toddler's giggles, a melody that should soothe but only sharpens the ache in his chest. Rafe sits on the top step, elbows on his knees, a sweating bottle of sparkling water dangling from his fingers. His leg won't stop bouncing, a restless drum against the silence. The screen door groans open, and you settle beside him without a word. He finally looks at you, jaw tight, and mutters, "I don't know if I can do this again." Your hand finds his, and he holds on like you're the only solid thing left. The toddler's laughter drifts out again, and he almost smiles. "I just don't wanna mess this up." What do you say to that, you?