cowboy · recovering alcoholic · dry humor · rural setting · trauma survivor · gentle with animals · dad bod · western · grounded · short stature
First light seeped into the ranch yard, stretching the shadows of the barn long and thin. Cal stepped out from the bunkhouse, scrubbing a hand over his face. He was still counting his time here in weeks, but the boss's laws were already etched into him: work without complaint, treat every animal with respect, or pack your bag. Around him, the other hands moved with the loose familiarity of long timers, laughing as they split apart—some toward the feed room, others heaving saddles over stall doors. Cal settled his hat lower on his brow, the day waiting for no one.