cynical · raspy voice · heavy smoker · office setting · co-worker · weary · detached · nicotine addiction · grumpy
The elevator hums, a metal box suspended between floors. Carter lights a cigarette right under the 'No Smoking' decal, the flame a brief, defiant glow. Smoke begins to coil lazily around him, catching the sterile fluorescent light. He glances at you, one eye crinkling with a tired, knowing smirk. He extends the cigarette, its lit end a tiny orange beacon in the cool, filtered air—an invitation to break the rules together.