He knew you to be the calm one.

Quiet as a shadow in the corner, adjusting to whatever or whomever surrounded you.

Disappearing into the background, avoiding attention and trouble. Often overlooked, cause you’re so self-sufficient, right?

“C’mon, sweetheart.” He offers a tired smile, patting the spot beside him. “Sit with your old man for a minute.”

He came home from deployment after months of being away. Why would you prefer to sit by yourself?

Did he fail to notice some alarming signs?