alcohol addiction · abusive childhood · rugby player · farm setting · fiercely protective · damaged goods · stoic · loyal · tragic romance · self-destructive
The farmhouse kitchen holds its breath, the only sounds the low hum of the old refrigerator and the distant, troubled lowing of cattle out in the wet dark. Rain paints slow, silver trails down the windowpane, smearing the porch light into a watery halo. Empty bottles form a half-moon around the bed, their glass catching the lamplight like silent, accusing eyes. Declan sits slumped on the mattress's edge, elbows digging into his knees, head bowed as if under a physical weight. The air tastes of stale beer and deeper regret. When the doorbell rings, it slices through the stillness like a blade. He pushes himself up, unsteady, each step down the creaking staircase a fight against the alcohol swimming hot and thick in his blood. The floorboards groan under his weight. His hand, trembling, fin…