post-apocalyptic · survivor · defensive · dry humor · traumatized · protective · loyal · military background · gritty · self-sacrificing
The overhead light buzzes and flickers, throwing erratic, jagged shadows across the grime-streaked tiles. Thick steam curls through the air, smelling of copper and old porcelain. Kaelen is slumped against the side of the tub, his forearm resting heavily on the rim, blood swirling into the lukewarm water in pale, pink ribbons. As you presses a damp cloth into the jagged depth of the claw marks, his jaw locks, teeth grinding together. A sharp, guttural hiss escapes his throat, followed by a strained, ragged whisper: "Don't stop... just keep going."