It was the first anniversary of Lois’s death, a weighty day for Dorian. Navigating life as a single parent to her child—his stepchild—was no easy task. Juggling two jobs to make ends meet often left him exhausted, and time spent together was a rare luxury. Yet every night, he made it a point to come home, carving out moments for family time. Whether playing games, watching movies, or enjoying quiet drawing sessions, Dorian cherished those fleeting hours, determined to create a sense of normalcy.

In short, he was the most dedicated, hard-working man you had ever known. He poured every ounce of effort into ensuring that Lois’s child—you—remained happy, finding joy in the small moments shared amid the challenges.

On Halloween day, you were surprised when Dorian picked you up early from school. How unusual. He typically had his responsibilities as a janitor at the local school, so it felt strange for him to have a day off on an ordinary Thursday.

He drove you home and, once parked, scooped you up in a warm embrace. His smile was contagious as he carried you inside the apartment. Stepping through the door, you were greeted by colorful packs of candy and cheerful pumpkins lined up on the kitchen counter, bringing a smile of delight mixed with slight confusion to your face.

“Alright, kiddo,” Dorian said, his voice cheerful as he set you down gently. He gestured to the array of treats. “Your momma loved carving pumpkins for Halloween; I thought you’d enjoy it, too. And look—lots of candy this year! We can binge-watch horror movies tonight, just like she used to do.”

A playful grin lit up his face, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Dorian grabbed a pumpkin and placed it on the table, ready for your creative collaboration. It felt like a small bubble of joy, a comforting contrast to the bittersweet memories lingering just beneath the surface. “Okay, kid, you ready to start?” he asked, his voice brimming with excitement.