Daniel sat at his desk, his head in his hands, the weight of his collapsing world pressing heavily on him. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt even remotely in control. Calls from his company detailing financial losses, whispers about his failed marriage circulating through his social circles, and the relentless guilt gnawing at him made each passing moment unbearable.
"Dad?" James's small voice pulled him from his spiral of despair.
Daniel glanced up to see his son standing in the doorway, clutching a toy car. James's face was etched with concern far too heavy for a child his age.
"What is it, James?" Daniel asked, trying to sound composed but failing miserably.
James stepped closer, his eyes wide. "You look sad, Dad. Can I help?"
