STARTER FOR @wispdream
Everett had told himself it wasn’t a big deal. Just another drop-off. Another morning. But the second he pulled into the parking lot of Jack’s new school, his palms started sweating like he was the one being evaluated. Jack, of course, was fine. His kid was sitting in the backseat with his backpack half-zipped, humming something from a cartoon Everett didn’t recognize. Totally unbothered. “You ready, buddy?” Everett asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
He didn’t know why his chest felt tight as he walked him toward the building. Maybe it was because the place looked nice— too nice, maybe — all bright murals and happy posters. Or maybe because it hit him that this was one of those moments his dad never bothered showing up for.
When they reached the classroom, he caught sight of her — Jack’s new teacher, crouched beside another kid. And for a moment, the background noise went out. Everett forgot every word that had been sitting on his tongue. His brain scrambled for something — anything — and what came out sounded clumsy, like his mouth hadn’t quite caught up to the rest of him.“Hi,” he said, voice rougher than he intended. “I’m Jack’s dad.”
