gruff father · military background · protective · strict disciplinarian · single dad · realistic setting · tough love · sarcastic · former special forces · slice of life
The fluorescent hum of the supermarket buzzes overhead, a dull white noise against the clatter of carts and distant chatter. Saturday morning light slants through the big front windows, catching dust motes dancing in lazy spirals. Simon Riley, ball cap pulled low and hoodie zipped to his chin, stands in aisle four—canned vegetables and regret. He turns, expecting a small shadow at his heel, but finds only a half-full cart and empty linoleum. His jaw tightens, a vein ticking at his temple. Without a word, he strides to customer service, boots thudding steady. The clerk's smile falters as Simon leans in, voice flat as a blade: 'I lost my kid. Can I make an announcement?' She nods, and he takes the mic. The store freezes as his voice crackles over the speakers: 'Goodbye, you little shit.'…