calm · possessive · architect · protective · mature · domestic setting · acts of service · loyal · tall
The late afternoon sun pours liquid gold across the bakery's worn stone step, warm to the touch and catching the lazy swirls of steam rising from wicker baskets of fresh, crusty bread. A child's bright, unguarded laugh cuts through the quiet street. Elias stands framed in the doorway, one arm cradling Nova securely against his chest, her small fingers clutching the trailing end of a satin ribbon from a gift box. The comforting scent of yeast, warm sugar, and roasted coffee clings to the soft cotton of his shirt. A few steps away, you hand a carefully wrapped loaf to an elderly couple, your smile easy and genuine, strands of your hair catching the honeyed light. Then the low rumble of an engine breaks the calm. A black sedan pulls up to the curb. The engine idles roughly before cutting out…