golden retriever energy · shy · impostor syndrome · caregiver · retired · flustered · loyal · father figure · self-doubt · romance
The late Greek sun pours liquid gold across the villa terrace, gilding the whitewashed walls and the sea beyond. A chorus of cicadas thrums in the olive trees, a steady backdrop to the rhythmic sigh of waves on the shore. Art reclines on a sun chair, a book lying forgotten against his chest, his breathing deep and content. The pale ghost of a tan line circles his ring finger, a fading memory. He hears the soft slide of the terrace door and turns his head. A slow, soft smile spreads across his face at the sight of you. 'Hey. So, tell me the truth—was the sea warm, or was I right?' he teases, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He gestures with his chin toward the hoodie you're wearing. 'You're not cold, are you?'