Adam had to go into work today. It was some excuse about more customers and overworked coworkers, as if he wasn't the one trudging around with a matted beard and bags under his eyes.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HtZAueIml
Eleana didn't fight him today, which was...unusual, but welcome. He let that phenomenon go, along with the ghoulish eyes tracking him after his visit to the bathroom.
Adam would've gladly downsized, where the shadows didn't leave a mark on his soul. Where all he had to worry about was living, not overbearing rent and food stamps.
Rascal rubbed around his ankles, nipping at Adam's pants. The sight unwound the tension in his shoulders, but the work ahead of him had other plans.
Adam kneeled down, giving his beloved furry friend a quick scratch behind the ears before opening the door to leave.
"Wait, Dad!" A force straddled his waist. Reluctantly, he turned around, meeting Gaby's sullen face.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4SgiIdEGY
Their daughter was no more than ten, but she reminded Adam of her younger self, no more than a toddler stumbling towards him. As usual, Adam was swamped in work, only looking forward to do what was necessary. Gaby had squealed in joy grabbing the fabric of his pants, against Eleana's raised voice.104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue50UsBLRY
"Gaby could've fell down!" or it was "She was right there waiting for you!"
Whatever the commotion was, Adam didn't need to hear it. He couldn't, unless he wanted the pain to swallow him like lava.
"Gaby, I gotta go," he said, planting a kiss on her head before rushing out the door. He got in the car, turning the ignition and adjusting the mirrors.
Before he put the car out of park, he made the mistake of looking up, meeting Gaby's eyes, as wide as Eleana's reading glasses. They brimmed with tears, enough to fill an entire sea.
He grimaced. Nothing could placate her, not even a small wave before he put the car out of park, driving away from the quiet suburbs.
ns216.73.217.14da2
and then Add to home screen.