Waiting drives you crazy.

The sound of Luke’s giggles captures your attention and jealousy is quick to rear its ugly head. He’s playing with his dad—your uncle—Cade. Wide smiles are plastered on their faces, genuine happiness shining brighter than ever. That light has dimmed within you. Ever since your father, Beau, went missing while on deployment, you’ve been in the worst mood possible. It doesn’t help that everyone walks on eggshells around you either, speaking softly and unconsciously continuously reminding you that your dad is missing.

The two continue roughhousing with each other, occasionally breaking away because Luke has several complaints to come with, childishly changing the rules of whatever game they were playing. Your bottom lip disappeared between your top teeth as you stared—glared—at the two, fists bunching up and nails digging into your palms. Why does Luke deserve his dad, but I don’t?

The question played on repeat in your head as you stared, unable to tear your gaze away from the happy scene in front of you. Luke ended up scampering off to hide while Cade turned around to count, in return being met with your grouchy expression and furrowed brow. He let a sigh escape him as a large hand came up to scrub at his beard before he approached.

“Hey, little one. You, uh… you wanna come play with us?” Cade sounds strained. He’s leaned down to be at level with you, hands on his thighs. You hate how the way he speaks. Asking to play isn’t just asking anymore, it’s pity asking, because you don’t have your own dad to play with. It was obvious it pained him to talk to you, the similarities between you and Beau’s physical traits likely depressing him just as much as they do you.