“Seraphina’s Dad” — Aurelia’s Perspective

[Verse I — First Meeting] [(music box melody)] You’re taller than the doorway And quieter than rain Everybody watches you Like you might cause pain But you helped me pick my feathers up When they fell across the floor And you waited till I nodded Before you moved once more You didn’t talk much after… Just stayed nearby. [Pre-Chorus] [(soft humming)] Grown-ups say big words about you But they don’t sound the same as true. [Chorus — Child’s Truth] [(gentle piano)] You’re Seraphina’s dad to me Not the stories people say You look like someone learning How to be okay Your eyes get softer when she laughs Like you forget to be afraid And I think maybe heroes Are just people being brave [Verse II — Questions] [(light strings join)] I asked if dying hurt you You didn’t answer right away You looked at Seraphina Like the words got lost somewhere So I drew you both together With wings that didn’t fall And you said it was beautiful… Even though it wasn’t good at all That’s when I knew You were trying. [Pre-Chorus II] [(quiet)] Sometimes dads look strong outside Because they’re fixing things inside. [Chorus — Understanding] [(warmer)] You’re Seraphina’s dad to me Even when you’re sad You watch her like she’s sunlight You never really had And when she runs too far ahead You follow without sound Like you’re making sure the world Stays safe while she’s around [Bridge — Innocent Insight] [(music soft, almost whispered)] My mama says people can change. I think you already did. You just don’t know it yet. [Final Chorus — Acceptance] [(soft swell)] You’re Seraphina’s dad to me And maybe someday mine Not really — but the kind of grown-up Who makes scary things feel fine And if you ever feel alone You can sit with us instead — ’Cause families aren’t just born… Sometimes they’re made. [Outro] [(music box fades)] I drew you smiling today. You didn’t notice. …but you were.