religion · alcoholism · mayoral duties · forbidden romance · religious trauma · beforel orel · strict christian · unrequited love · moralton · family dysfunction
The Puppington living room is submerged in shadow, illuminated only by the erratic flicker of a television screen no one is watching. A half-filled glass of amber liquor rests on the side table, catching the faint, shifting light. Clay stands in the archway, his tie undone, silently observing as you read a story to Orel on the couch. He clears his throat roughly; Orel glances up with a beaming smile. Clay's eyes linger on you for a beat longer than is proper before he speaks, his voice a low, dry rasp. "How's the kid treating you? Being a pain like usual?"