Labor Day (LS version)

Chapter One: A Quiet Routine

In a sleepy town in England, where the narrow streets were lined with quaint houses adorned with blooming flower boxes, Louis Tomlinson felt the weight of solitude pressing down on him. It had been years since his divorce, but the emotional scars remained fresh, haunting him like shadows that refused to fade. Living with his thirteen-year-old son, Andrew, in a modest cottage, Louis had become a shell of the vibrant man he once was. The laughter that once filled their home had dimmed, replaced by a routine that felt more like survival than living.

Louis's days were punctuated by the tasks of single parenthood: preparing breakfast, school runs, and the endless cycle of chores. Each morning began with the aroma of burnt toast wafting through the kitchen as he hurriedly cooked for Andrew before the school bell rang. Andrew, with his bright eyes and thoughtful
, had grown up too quickly, shouldering the responsibility of taking care of his father as much as Louis took care of him. It was a role reversal that weighed heavily on both of them.

"Dad, can we make that peach crumble again?" Andrew asked one Saturday morning, a hopeful smile lighting up his face as he poured cereal into a bowl. The simple request struck a chord with Louis, reminding him of the times when they'd baked together, laughter echoing off the kitchen walls.

"Of course, mate. We'll get the peaches later," Louis replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

As they finished breakfast, Louis felt a familiar pang of guilt. He had tried to create a nurturing environment for Andrew, but his own grief had created a chasm between them. With each passing day, Louis felt the warmth of their bond dimming under the weight of his struggles.

After breakfast, they decided to head to the local market, a vibrant hub of activity that always brought a sense of normalcy to their lives. The market bustled with people, vendors calling out to passersby, and the air was fragrant with the smell of fresh produce and baked goods. As they navigated the stalls, Andrew's enthusiasm was palpable, and for a brief moment, Louis felt a flicker of joy.

As they approached a fruit stand, Andrew spotted the ripe peaches and rushed ahead, but Louis's attention was drawn to a figure lingering at the edge of the market. A young man, Harry, stood there with an air of tension about him, his clothes worn and his eyes darting nervously. Louis instinctively felt a mixture of concern and curiosity, sensing that something was off about him.

"Dad, look at these peaches!" Andrew called, holding up a large one with a smile that pulled Louis back into the moment.

"Great choice, buddy!" Louis replied, shaking off his unease. They completed their shopping and began to make their way home, but the image of Harry lingered in Louis's mind, an unshakable feeling that their lives were about to change.

Later that evening, Louis and Andrew settled into their routine, the familiar sound of chopping fruit filling the kitchen as they prepared the peach crumble together. The recipe had been passed down through generations, a small piece of joy that connected them to happier times. As they mixed the ingredients, laughter filled the air, but Louis couldn't help but feel the quiet emptiness that echoed around them.

Just as they were about to put the crumble in the oven, a sudden knock at the door startled them. Louis exchanged a wary glance with Andrew, and his heart raced with uncertainty. He hesitated for a moment, but curiosity tugged at him as he opened the door.

Standing there was Harry, his expression a mix of desperation and vulnerability. "I... I need help," he said, his voice shaky.

In that moment, Louis felt a surge of protective instinct. Though uncertainty clouded his mind, he knew that whatever Harry was running from, it would soon intertwine their fates in ways he couldn't yet comprehend. He stepped aside, allowing Harry to enter their home, not fully realizing that this choice would open a door to healing and pain, love and fear—a story that would bind them together in ways they never anticipated.