Submerge

F A T H E R

The cracks in the family began to show long before the divorce. His parents had always been somewhat mismatched—his father, James, a passionate but troubled man, and his mother, Claire, a pragmatic and ambitious woman. In the early days of their marriage, their differences had seemed to complement each other, but over time, they became sources of friction.

James' struggles with depression were a constant undercurrent in their home. He was often withdrawn, his moods unpredictable. When Mason and Emma were younger, they didn't fully understand the severity of their father's condition. They only knew that some days he was their loving dad, full of energy and laughter, and other days he was a shadow of himself, distant and unreachable.

Claire tried to hold the family together, but her patience wore thin as James' condition worsened. She took on more responsibilities, working longer hours to make ends meet. The emotional toll of caring for a partner with severe depression began to weigh heavily on her. Arguments became more frequent, often escalating into shouting matches that left Mason and Emma hiding in their rooms, clutching each other for comfort.

"I can't do this anymore, James," Claire would cry, her voice breaking with exhaustion. "I can't keep picking up the pieces every time you fall apart."

James would respond with a mix of anger and despair. "You think I want to be like this? You think I enjoy being a burden?"

The cycle was relentless, and each argument chipped away at the foundation of their marriage. Claire's eyes began to wander, seeking solace and stability elsewhere. She reconnected with Jordan Hale, an ex-boyfriend from high school who had fathered her first child, Nathan. Their old flame rekindled, offering Claire the support and understanding she desperately craved. Their friendship quickly turned into an affair, and Claire's guilt was overshadowed by the relief she felt in Jordan's presence.

One evening, Mason overheard a conversation that changed everything. He was playing with Emma in the living room when his parents' voices drifted down the hallway.

"You're having an affair, aren't you?" James accused, his voice trembling with rage.

Claire didn't deny it. "Yes, James. I am. And I'm leaving you. I can't live like this anymore."

Mason's heart pounded in his chest, and he pulled Emma closer, shielding her from the harsh reality unfolding around them.

The divorce was swift and painful. Claire took Mason and Emma, moving in with Jordan, while James was left to spiral deeper into his depression. The loss of his family was a blow he couldn't recover from. He tried to maintain a brave face for his children during their weekend visits, but the darkness that consumed him was evident.

The final blow came a few months later. Mason and Emma arrived at their father's apartment for their regular weekend visit, only to find him a shell of his former self. He was unshaven, his eyes hollow and empty. The apartment was in disarray, bottles of alcohol scattered across the floor.

"Dad, are you okay?" Emma had asked, her voice small and uncertain.

James had smiled, but it was a hollow, empty expression. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a bit tired."

Mason had tried to believe him, but the gnawing anxiety in his stomach wouldn't go away. They had spent the day indoors, watching old movies and playing board games, their father's laughter ringing false in Mason's ears.

As night fell, James retreated to his bedroom, claiming he needed to rest. "You kids can watch another movie if you want. I'll be out in a bit," he had said, closing the door behind him.

Hours passed, and the unease grew into a palpable fear. Mason and Emma exchanged worried glances, their father's absence stretching into an unbearable silence.