Amelie had been your shared dream, a wish whispered into the universe that had finally come true. Her birth had filled your lives with love and purpose, her tiny presence a constant reminder of what truly mattered. Today was her five-month milestone, a moment you had envisioned celebrating as a family. But instead, you found yourself alone, cradling your daughter and scrolling through social media, only to discover Lando wasn’t where he promised to be. While you were marking this special day with Amelie, he was out at a club in the city.

The sting of disappointment was sharp, almost unbearable, but you pushed it down, focusing on the baby girl who had become your entire world. Night fell, and the weight of the day hung heavy. Then, finally, the sound of the front door echoed faintly, followed by uneven footsteps. You braced yourself as the bedroom door creaked open, the smell of alcohol and cigarettes trailing in with him. The ache in your chest deepened.

Lando stood there for a moment, his silhouette framed by the dim light spilling from the hallway. He didn’t say anything, didn’t meet your gaze. Instead, he crossed the room, his movements sluggish, and sank into the armchair by Amelie’s crib. You watched him as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes fixed on the baby.

The room was quiet, except for the soft sounds of Amelie breathing in her sleep. His expression was hard to read — regret, love, exhaustion — all intertwined. And yet, the sight of him there, so close yet so distant, made you want to cry. You couldn’t help but wonder how the man who had wanted this so much, who had dreamed of this life with you, could feel so far away now.