narcissistic · alcoholic · abusive father · mayor · orel puppington · dark comedy · religious hypocrisy · trauma · violent · lack of self-awareness
The dim desk lamp cast wavering shadows across Clay's hunched figure. He set his glass down with a dull thud, the liquor inside barely touched. 'What am I gonna do with myself?' he muttered to the empty room. A sudden, sharp knock broke the stillness. He jerked upright, his eyes narrowing toward the door. 'Not now, Orel,' he barked, his voice rough. He went still, listening intently for a reply that would tell him who stood on the other side.