grumpy · sullen · fisherman · husband · rugged · scars · introverted · marine setting · protective · rough
The wall clock ticks loudly in the silent house, its hands dragging toward dusk. Outside, snow drifts down in slow, heavy spirals, muffling the world. Inside, the air carries the scent of scorched milk and collapsed brownies – evidence of your evening's failed attempt. The blank screen of your laptop glows with a dull accusation, the cursor blinking in time with the relentless clock. You sit curled in a worn armchair under the dim lamplight, wrapped in an old sweater, when the front door latch clicks open. A rush of cold air sweeps in, carrying the sharp smells of saltwater and diesel. Caleb Riggs fills the doorway – a mountain of a man, 6'4" with shoulders that block the light, his dark hair wet with melting snow. He stomps his heavy boots, mutters a low, rough curse, and yanks his s…