Framed Father's Fierce Flight

e living room was a

stant reminder of how much I

genuine, relaxed smile on her face that I hadn't seen directed at me in years. My son, Lucas, who was twelve, and

n was my bro

charisma poured through the screen, effortless and bright. He was telling them a story about a street festiva

ole crowd started singing, and I just jumped in and d

ia erupted

there, Uncle Eth

added. "It's s

sion soft. "We miss you, Ethan. The hou

y gut for months. It was a feeling that told me this marriage, this family I had po

been the stay-at-home dad. I gave up my own career aspirations so Sophia could climb the corporate ladder. I cooked, I cleane

ed a healthy, balanced meal. A meal that would likely be met with sighs and complaints. I decided not to call the

I had it all scheduled. I had already prepared the questions for Ms. Albright about Lucas's math

er, the kids burs

eat?" Lucas asked, opening the

my voice quiet. "It'll be r

ncle Ethan said he had the best paella for lunc

ella, Mia," I explained patiently. "

red, grabbing a bag of chips from the pantry

ced at the mess of chips on the floor and then at the i

do something more exciting? Ethan was just telling the kids about al

e. Her focus was on her phone, whic

en stir-fry," I said, my vo

looked up, h

cook the chicken this time.

ound of their renewed laughter with Ethan echoing from the living room. I looked down at my hands, the