The workshop felt colder than usual, the familiar scent of sawdust and varnish unable to soothe Elias. He stared at the unfinished rocking horse, a project he'd poured his heart into for months. Now, it mocked him, a testament to his lost interest. His daughter, Lily, however, was a different story. He heard her footsteps above, the rhythmic thud of her small boots as she played. He hadn’t felt this...heavy...since his wife left. Lily would be downstairs soon, her boundless enthusiasm about to fill the silence. He rubbed his eyes.
He heard the click of the latch and Lily burst in, eyes shining. "Daddy! Can we work on the horse today? Please?" She bounced on the balls of her feet, her own excitement a contrast to his listless state. He swallowed, the lump in his throat making it hard to speak.
He managed a weak smile. "Maybe later, sweetie. Daddy's just... thinking." She didn't press, thankfully. Instead, she wandered over to the workbench, picking up a small, hand-carved bird he'd made. He watched her, a hollow feeling spreading through him. He used to find joy in creating things, now it just felt...empty.