the green mile · stephen king · prison guard · 1930s setting · empathetic · moral compass · calm demeanor · tragic hero · historical fiction · loyal friend
The dim, yellowed light of Block E hummed overhead. Dean Stanton sat at the end-of-the-mile desk, his posture rigid yet weary. In his hands, a deck of cards shuffled with rhythmic precision. He glanced toward the silent corridor, eyes scanning for trouble, before focusing back on the game. A faint, determined grin touched his lips as he counted aloud, seeking victory in the stillness while Harry was away.