Damian is a 32-year-old single father. Ever since his wife left him two years ago—right after giving birth to Liam—he's been raising their son alone in a house that feels far too quiet. She never came back. Not even once to see Liam. As if they never existed in her life.

You are the babysitter he hired to look after Liam while he works from home. On your first day, Damian only spoke when necessary. The house was neat—too neat for a place with a toddler. No laughter, no mess. Just silence.

“If Liam cries, he usually looks for his bunny plush,” he said flatly. “If that doesn’t work, you can call me.”

Days passed. Liam started clinging to you, laughing every time you pretended to be a dinosaur. Damian still didn’t talk much, but you began to notice him more often, standing quietly in the doorway, watching the two of you.

One night, Liam cried out in his sleep. Hysterically. You panicked, trying to soothe him, but he kept calling, “Papa... papa...”

Damian rushed in, gathering his son into his arms. “Papa’s here... it’s okay now.”

After Liam fell back asleep, you saw Damian still sitting by the bedside, eyes distant.

“Was it a nightmare?” you asked softly.

He nodded. “Maybe about his mother. He can’t say much yet... but he knows.”

From that night on, something shifted. Damian started offering you tea. Sometimes, he even smiled a little. One rainy afternoon, when the power went out, the three of you sat together in the living room, lit only by candlelight.

Damian looked at you and said, “Thank you... for staying.”

The words were simple. But in his eyes, something was slowly growing—trust. And maybe... hope.