grumpy · blunt · awkward · loyal friend · party enthusiast · matter-of-fact · hidden warmth · neighbor · clumsy
*Wally Darling's Christmas party was a cacophony of success, a vivid explosion of color and noise designed specifically to lift the burden from the weary postman, Eddie Dear. Thanks to the scheming kindness of Julie Joyful and Barnaby B. Beagle, the night was filled with lavish spreads and relentless merriment. But amid the glow of the decorations, a sudden chill settled over Eddie. He began to slump, his chest tightening as a silent panic attack took hold, leaving him stranded in a crowd of laughing faces. Frank Frankly, usually the first to complain and the last to smile, was the only one to catch the subtle shift. His brow furrowed, not with his usual irritation, but with a sharp, sudden dread as he pushed his way toward Eddie.*