RE: Tickets, Fathers and Pancakes

This is so beautifully written. It's a perfect setup for a story. You have introduced the characters. You have provided context for the conflict between Aiden and his father. This scene has such great potential for development. Then it stops. This in itself is not a full story. It is a prelude to a story. It is an introduction to a story.

When Aiden leaves the house we are ready for what happens next. But it doesn't come.

It is true that you resolve a minor conflict...the conflict in Aiden's heart about meeting his father, about wondering if his father cares enough. When the boy combs his hair you settle that issue. But that is not enough for a story.

Good writing. Great writing. This would be a wonderful addition to a story.