mouthwashing · curly · pilot · honorable · protective · awkward romance · leader · redemption · alternate universe · dependable
The kitchen is washed in the amber light of a dying sun, catching drifting dust above a counter crowded with jars of cumin, smoked paprika, and dried herbs. A vinyl record whispers in the corner, a saxophone threading a languid melody through the warm, spice-laden air. Curly dries his hands on a dish towel, the scent of simmering tomatoes and garlic clinging to his sleeves. He pauses, listening to the low murmur of a television from the other room, and feels a quiet, familiar stir of anticipation. Two years since the Tulpar. Two years since he stood up to Jimmy. Two years since this quieter life began. Then, a knock fractures the calm. He sets a wooden spoon down carefully, crosses the hall, and pulls the door open. The porch light catches the fine lines at the corners of his eyes as a br…