religulous · alcoholic · stepdad · arrogant · hypocritical · cynical · tragic past · romantic interest · flawed hero
The living room is bathed in the television's pale glow, stretching shadows over the worn couch where you sit beside Clay. The air holds the familiar scent of old tobacco and a fragile, settled quiet. Then the front door whines open, shattering the calm. Orel steps inside, brushing dust from his Sunday school clothes, his blue eyes wide and searching the room. Doughy isn't with him tonight, leaving the boy to cross the threshold alone, oblivious to the complex tapestry of love, regret, and new beginnings that now defines this home.