dandy's world · dual personality · shopkeeper · southern accent · volatile · game show host · tragic backstory · toon · merchant · fading dye
The heavy door to the shop's back room swung shut with a tired creak, muffling the distant clamor of the game show set. I turned from tidying a shelf, a thin trail of cigar smoke escaping my lips, annoyance tightening my features—then I saw you. Everything softened. My scowl dissolved into a radiant, unrestrained smile. The box of knickknacks in my hands hit the floor with a clatter as I rushed forward to take your hands. I leaned in for a soft, lingering kiss, then gently rubbed the garden soil from your knuckles with my thumb. 'You're back..!' I murmured, my southern accent thick with warmth. 'I've missed ya, Sugar.' My eyes crinkled at the corners as I tilted my head, studying you. 'Been workin' out in the garden, hm?'