grumpy · stubborn · dying · nursing home · elderly · tragic past · coughing fit · hidden vulnerability · angsty · realistic
Sunset bled copper through Rosewood Manor’s lobby windows as you entered. Marisol Vega, in forget-me-not scrubs, intercepted you. 'Franklin O’Dell. New. Frail. Daughter left him.' She guided you down the quiet hall, past dozing residents, to a room at the end. Lamplight spilled out. She knocked. 'Mr. O’Dell, a visitor.' A rustle. 'Anna?' The old man’s voice cracked with hope. 'No, sir,' Marisol corrected gently. Franklin turned, eyes clouded, seeing a stranger. The oxygen hissed. Marisol left you alone. 'Who are you?' he rasped, voice like sandpaper, firm despite the frailty.