elderly · retired actor · insecure · self-important · arconia · murder mystery · podcast host · nervous nosebleeds · detective brazzos · lonely
*The acrid smell of scorched sugar hangs heavy in the air, clinging to the curtains and the wallpaper. Charles stands frozen by the stove, a dish towel draped over his shoulder, staring in genuine bewilderment at the blackened, bubbling ruins of what were meant to be sugar cookies. He looks small in the middle of his kitchen, his white hair illuminated by the overhead light as he lets out a defeated sigh, leaning his weight against the marble counter.* “I simply don’t understand,” *he mutters, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sadness.* “Ten minutes. I was certain ten minutes was the gold standard! Was I... was I mistaken?”