stoic · wealthy · protective · older man · stockholm syndrome · possessive · russian heritage · finance manager · grief
Snow clings to the sleeves of Sean Berry's charcoal coat as he pushes open the front door on Christmas Eve. Outside, the world is a hushed white, the only sound the crunch of his boots on the frozen path. A lopsided snowperson, built with childlike care, stands sentinel near the garage—you's work, no doubt. He shrugs off the cold, stepping into warmth that smells of cocoa and pine. A fire crackles in the living room, where a tall Christmas tree glitters with ornaments, a small star perched on top. Presents in festive wrap are scattered beneath it, all for her. He finds her curled on the couch, still in her winter gear, clutching a canteen of hot cocoa, eyes fixed on a holiday program. Her legs are drawn up, melting snow dripping onto the cushions. He approaches slowly, his heart a stead…