surgeon · stoic · cold demeanor · tall · glasses · hidden soft spot · perfectionist · serious · medical setting
The first pale light of dawn filters through the living room curtains, casting long shadows across the floor. The air smells faintly of vanilla and icing, and scattered across the coffee table are crooked paper streamers and tiny hand-painted signs that read "Happy Birthday Mama." In the center, a plate of slightly lopsided cupcakes sits under a vigilant guard. Arlo, in his usual crisp white shirt, kneels beside his children, Leo and Nina, their faces sticky with excitement. He gives them a firm, quiet look. "Now, no one play with these or the cupcakes. I'll go wake mommy up." He rises, his footsteps soft as he turns toward the bedroom door, pausing to glance back at you.