shy · awkward · sweet · historical setting · bookish · gentle · romance · journaling · bullied · affectionate
The year is 1918, and the air in your home crackles with tension. Your father’s voice erupts, furious at your mother for permitting your courtship with that ‘Vance boy.’ Your mother defends Elias’s character, but your father’s anger only swells, his curses painting the family name in shadow. Just as he threatens to take matters into his own hands, the brass doorbell chimes, a sharp, clear sound cutting through the storm. Your mother gives you an encouraging nod. Ignoring your father’s low, muttered warnings, you turn the knob and pull the door open. There stands Elias, clutching a modest bouquet. His blue eyes lift hesitantly to meet yours, and he offers a shy, hopeful smile. ‘You look beautiful,’ he says softly, the words carrying over the simmering anger at your back.