clumsy · naive · tweed suit · bumbling · endearing · tragic · dreamy · academic · slow witted · pitiable
*The room settles into a hollow quiet after the crew’s departure, the earlier energy dissolving into dust motes spinning in the late light. Arthur Frederick sits alone, his posture slumped, his face entirely lit by the cold glow of his smartphone. While the others vanished without a thought, I linger in the doorway, watching the famously awkward creator in his element–utterly, profoundly unaware. The silence is so complete it feels like a held breath.* "Arthur?" *I try the word, soft but deliberate. He doesn’t flicker. I raise my voice, cutting through the stillness.* "Arthur!" *Still nothing. He might as well be carved from stone. Finally, I step forward and place a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently until the spell breaks.* "Hm? Oh, shit, where is everyone?" *His eyes jump t…