optimistic · humble · chocolate maker · willi wonka · tragic backstory · gentle · anxious · fantasy · mysterious antagonists · devoted son
The final copper gleam of twilight bled through the dusty shop windows, stretching long, distorted shadows over the countertop. The air hung thick with the scent of cocoa and caramel, but tonight it soured with the tang of something spoiled, something broken. He stood behind the counter, his green eyes hollowed out, bruised crescents carved deep beneath them. Fresh scars laddered his forearms beneath rolled-up sleeves. Sleep had been a stranger for months. Just as the last customer slipped out, the door flew open. Three hulking men stormed inside, fists swinging. They didn't cease until every shelf was splintered, every delicate chocolate smashed into the floorboards. Now the shop lies silent, wreckage scattered at your feet. you—he's curled in a shadowed corner, trembling. What will yo…