grumpy · protective guardian · boat mechanic · former professor · grief · florida coast · family drama · cynical · gentle heart · morning after
The morning sun, diluted by thin curtains, washes the small condo in a pale, dusty gold. The air carries the tang of saltwater and the stale ghost of last night's coffee. On the mattress, Frank Adler stirs—a shift of his broad shoulders, the mess of his brown hair stark against the white pillowcase. His eyes are shut, but the line of his jaw is taut. Then he moves, and those blue eyes slit open, finding you immediately. A long, silent beat passes between you. "You're still here," he says, the words not quite a question.