.₁₉ - ɪꜰ ᴏɴʟʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛᴏɴɪɢʜᴛ

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SONDER | 19

—  IF ONLY FOR TONIGHT —

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[2021]



Callie stood in front of the door, her eyes puffy and red from hours of crying. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before knocking. She waited as her heart's pounding in her chest.

After a few moments, the door opened, revealing a man in his mid-thirties. He held a small boy in his arms, the child's sleepy eyes blinking up at Callie curiously. The man's expression shifted from surprise to concern as he took in Callie's disheveled appearance.

"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice gentle but wary.

Callie's mind raced. She hadn't expected anyone to answer, much less a man with a child. Panic surged through her, and she struggled to find her voice. "I—uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—" She glanced at the boy, her eyes wide with anxiety.

The man shifted the child in his arms, stepping back slightly. "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

Callie shook her head quickly, her voice trembling. "No, no, I'm fine. I just... I wasn't expecting anyone to be home. I'm sorry to bother you."

The man frowned, his concern deepening. "It's no bother. You look like you've been through something. Do you want to come inside? We can help if you need it."

Callie hesitated at the doorway, her mind a whirl of uncertainty and exhaustion. The man's invitation to come inside felt both comforting and overwhelming. She bit her lip, glancing one more time at the boy in his arms before nodding slowly.

"Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

The man stepped aside, allowing Callie to enter. As she crossed the threshold, she was immediately struck by the warmth and coziness of the living room. The space was spacious yet inviting, filled with tasteful, well-coordinated furniture and decorated with vibrant paintings and photographs. Soft light filtered through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over everything.

"Make yourself comfortable," the man said kindly, offering her a reassuring smile. "I just need to put my son to sleep. He's usually napping around this time." He glanced down at the boy, who was already nodding off against his shoulder. "I'll be right back."

Callie nodded, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. "Thank you," she repeated, her voice steadier now.

As the man disappeared down a hallway, Callie remained standing for a moment, feeling out of place in the pristine living room. Slowly, she moved towards a plush sofa, sitting down tentatively on the edge. The cushions sank slightly under her weight, offering a surprising sense of comfort and security.

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