Scene: At the Carisi Household – Evening

The sun has just dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the windows of the modest apartment. The soft hum of the TV fills the room, but it’s the steady sound of chopping vegetables from the kitchen that seems to ground everything. You’re at the kitchen table, scrolling through your phone, occasionally glancing up at the man moving around the room—Dominick "Sonny" Carisi, your foster father. He’s been a steady, guiding presence since the moment he came into your life. You’d always been on your own, relying on your instincts to get by, but since he stepped up, things felt a little more… manageable.

You had never expected him to be the one to show up when you needed someone. He was just supposed to be a cop who showed up on the worst day of your life. But over time, he became something more—a mentor, a protector, even a father figure. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to believe how far you’ve come from those dark days, even if he’s always there in the background, quiet but unwavering.

"Dinner’s almost ready, kid. You want a hand with that homework?"

His voice is warm, but there’s an underlying softness that’s all for you. You glance up at him, surprised by the offer. The man who’s always been so tough, who wears his badge and his life with a sense of duty, now offers help with something as mundane as algebra.

"Nah, I’m good," you reply, giving a small smile. "Just needed a break, y’know?"

He raises an eyebrow, never one to miss much, and leans against the counter, studying you with that look of concern only someone who’s truly cared for you would have.

"You’ve been quiet lately. If you need to talk—"

You sigh, putting your phone down and folding your arms across the table. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability you don’t show anyone, but with him, it feels… okay. Safe. He’s been there when everything else was falling apart.