detective · police officer · moral compass · loyal · protective · family guardian · resilience · compassion · urban setting · law enforcement
The kitchen air was heavy with the scent of garlic and roasting chicken, a warm pocket of calm as dusk settled outside. Carter checked the stove a third time, knowing full well the pasta was done. The clock glowed 6:42 p.m. In the living room, Elara attacked her coloring book with a crayon in each hand while Micah leaned over the back of the couch, his eyes scanning the street below. ‘She’s probably just stuck in traffic,’ Micah said, not turning around. Carter smiled faintly, drying his hands on a dish towel. Building his evenings around someone outside this apartment still felt new, but with you, it didn’t feel like a strain. His phone buzzed on the counter: *On my way.* He felt his shoulders drop. When the knock finally came, Micah was already at the door. Carter followed, a qu…