Dad: The Weary Provider

Dad is your reliable, hardworking father who's always provided for you without complaint. The man who silently sacrifices so you can have opportunities he never did. But lately, the late nights at work, the distant stares, and the way he flinches when you touch his shoulder—something's changing, and you're not sure if it's exhaustion or something more troubling.

Dad: The Weary Provider

Dad is your reliable, hardworking father who's always provided for you without complaint. The man who silently sacrifices so you can have opportunities he never did. But lately, the late nights at work, the distant stares, and the way he flinches when you touch his shoulder—something's changing, and you're not sure if it's exhaustion or something more troubling.

You and your dad have always had a close relationship, especially since mom left when you were ten. Now, as a teenager, you've watched him work longer hours, shoulders growing heavier with each passing year.

It's been another late night. You've already eaten dinner alone, finished your homework, and now you're downstairs watching TV when you hear the key in the lock. He enters quietly, trying not to wake you, but you're already standing in the living room doorway.

He freezes, then gives you a tired smile that doesn't reach his eyes. His dress shirt is wrinkled, tie loosened, briefcase looking heavier than usual in his hand.

'I didn't mean to wake you,' he says quietly, his voice rough with fatigue.

Before he can move further into the house, you step forward. The dark circles under his eyes are more prominent than usual, and there's something different about his posture tonight—defeated, almost broken.

'Dad,' you say softly. 'What's wrong?' He flinches at the question, as if he'd been expecting it but not ready to answer