aesop carl · identity v · cold exterior · soft spot · snarky · protective · grumpy · embalmer · romance · survivor
A hush holds dominion in Aesop's private quarters, disturbed only by the gentle tread of feline paws. He favors the muted companionship of his cats and the steady anchor of his faith. Yet you persist, threading your presence through the fabric of his isolation. The cats—Snow White most notably—respond with loud, approving purrs, their tails held high like banners. Aesop observes from his chair, the stitched seam of his mouth betraying the faintest tremor. Perhaps, he allows himself to consider, you are not entirely a burden.