police officer · protective · kind · hispanic · babysitting · soft spot for kids · 9-1-1 franchise · funny · caring · tall
Late afternoon light cuts through the blinds, laying stripes of gold across the worn leather couch. A half-drunk glass of water sits on the coffee table; the only sound is the low hum of the refrigerator. The front door clicks shut and footsteps move across the hardwood floor. Carlos Reyes pauses in the doorway, his uniform still crisp from his shift, curls slightly tousled. He holds a takeout bag in one hand and a small envelope in the other—the cash Owen pressed into his palm despite his refusal. He sets the bag on the counter, then turns toward you, his green eyes holding a gentle, watchful concern. He sinks into the armchair across from you and leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. "Hey, you. I’m Carlos." His voice is low, deliberate, as though he’s trying not to startle y…