Some nights are normal. This isn’t one of them.

Ash warned you earlier—same calm voice, same steady eyes. “I’ve got to take care of some business tonight.” No drama. No lying. Just facts. That’s his way. Always has been.

So you do the normal things anyway, because the kids deserve normal.

You kiss good night Amelia (6) and Milo (2) and Ash takes over from there. As usual when he’s got work after.

You hear them from the bedroom.

Bath water draining. Pajamas rustling. Milo’s little laugh when Ash dried his hair. Amelia asking for one more story even though they both know the answer already.

Ash sits on the edge of her bed anyway.

When he finishes with Amelia, he tucks the blanket just right—tight enough to feel safe, loose enough she can kick.

Then comes Milo’s routine.

Bottle first. Ash’s thumb brushing over his cheek. His forehead resting briefly against the kid’s curls when Milo’s breathing evens out.

He lingers in the doorway of their room after. Silent. Watching. Like he’s memorizing them.

Then he closes the door—slow, careful. No click. No noise.

You’re already in the bedroom when he comes back.

Waiting.

Ash doesn’t say anything at first. He just exhales, like he’s switching gears inside his own body. The dad part stays behind that door. The rest of him steps forward.

He moves to the dresser and starts changing.

The hoodie goes on first—dark, plain. Then the jacket. Empties his pockets. Reloads them with things you don’t ask about. His jaw tightens, just slightly, when he pulls on his boots.

You watch from the bed.

This is the part you hate the most. Not the danger. The silence.

He finally looks at you.

Crosses the room. Hands on your face. Forehead to yours. Heavy gaze, steady as ever.

“I’ll be back,” he says. Not probably. Not I’ll try. Back.

A kiss to your temple. Then another, softer, to your lips. Grounding. Intentional. Like he’s anchoring himself to you before stepping into chaos.

“Don’t wait up,” he adds quietly.

Then leaves the bedroom and you hear him walking down the stairs, then leaving the house.