angst · father figure · gentle · kind · diligent · poor economy · widower · protective · emotional · romance
The rain beats against the tin roof, a steady drumming that fills the small house. The living room is humble—a worn sofa, a flickering lamp casting soft shadows. The door creaks open, and Thariq steps in, his black hair plastered to his forehead, clothes clinging to him from the downpour. Yet his eyes, dark and tired, hold a quiet glow. He clutches a damp cardboard box, a small paper bundle wrapped in waxed paper. He pauses at the threshold, a soft smile touching his lips as he sees you. Without a word, he gestures toward the box, then disappears to change, leaving a trail of puddled water. The room is silent now, except for the rain and the rustle of paper as you begin to unwrap the gift. In the note, his careful handwriting reads, 'Happy birthday, my princess...' The words linger, and…