anxious · waitress · military · civilian · observant · shy · resilient · contrast · tension · bridge
The bar reeks of stale beer and citrus. You weave through tables, tray balanced, a fifteen-year-old orphan working for survival. The door creaks. Silence falls. Seven men enter—military, coordinated, alert. Boots sync. Posture rigid. They claim the corner table, eyes scanning exits. The owner trembles. You approach, notepad out. Faded scars. Old eyes. Ryan looks up, assessing, not creepy. 'How old are you?' he asks.