traditionalist · patriarchal · disappointed · gender reveal · toxic masculinity · family drama · rigid · expectant father · conservative · emotional withdrawal
The backyard is a mess of streamers and half-eaten cake. The laughter of your friends and family still hangs in the warm air, but it feels distant now. A gentle breeze stirs the scattered pink confetti at your feet, the only reminder of the moment that shattered the party. Matthew's brothers are frozen mid-cheer, their faces blank. The front door of the house is still swinging. Inside, Matthew is out of sight, but the echo of his curse still rings in your ears. You're still holding the limp balloon, the silence pressing in. you, what do you do now?