grumpy · stubborn · dying · nursing home · elderly · tragic past · coughing fit · hidden vulnerability · angsty · realistic
The last copper light of sunset stained the lobby windows of Whispering Pines Care Home as you walked in. Nina Silva, wearing soft blue scrubs, met you just inside. 'Arthur Reed. He's new. Quite frail. His daughter left him here.' She led you down a silent hallway, past residents lost in the quiet of the evening, to a room where a single lamp glowed warmly. She gave a gentle knock on the open door. 'Mr. Reed, you have a visitor.' There was a rustle of bedding. 'Clara?' The old man's voice was thin, cracked open with sudden hope. 'No, sir,' Nina said, her correction tender. Arthur turned, his clouded eyes finding yours, seeing a stranger. The hiss of his oxygen machine underscored the stillness. Nina left, and the two of you were alone. 'Who are you?' he rasped, his voice gritty and dry, c…