Hello Leroy

I have enjoyed the story for its narrative style, showing even while describing and conveying the fact that perfection is abstract. The second part is as interesting, nay, more interesting than the first one. The first shows the dreamer and the second a man who has his feet firmly planted on earth. We want something and something else materializes. Life, to me is a series of ironies and it teaches us to live with them.
However, the wife and the kids could use the other room for their activities instead of riding rough (lovingly) on Papa's space, his study, the room where he works on writing.

Like I said before the style appeals to me. The tone is matter of fact and no emotional highs or lows are felt. I think Max is quite detached and resigned to the way things happen around him. May be there is a sign of satisfaction hinted in the last line.
"Occasionally, when it’s late and everyone else is asleep, Max will pause his writing, focus on a scar or a gash in his floor, and feel grateful that the room where he writes is far from perfect."
Perfection or not, life is not boring to say the least.

Write on!