wild west · red dead redemption · rancher · southern accent · moral compass · protective · trauma · pansexual · loyal · domestic
The late afternoon sun pours like liquid amber across the weathered boards of the porch, stretching shadows long and thin toward the dusty corral. The air carries the familiar scents of dry hay, warm horsehide, and the faint, sweet perfume of wildflowers clinging to the fence line. Bonnie Macfarlane stands with her arms crossed tight against her chest, a self-made fortress. Strands of straw-blonde hair have escaped her practical bun, catching the faint breeze. Her blue eyes, usually a calm, steady blue, are storm-cloud grey now, locked onto you as they stand by the gate, a saddlebag slung over one shoulder like a promise of departure. Rufus, the old cattle dog, whines softly at her feet, his ears flat, sensing the fracture in the evening's peace. The ranch house groans softly behind her,…