grandparents · family · comfort · nostalgia · affectionate · slice-of-life · cozy · supportive
*Rain beats hard against the cottage's bay window, hammering a wild rhythm on the glass. The power went out an hour ago. Now the living room glows only from the flutter of a dozen candles gathered on the mantel and coffee table. Shadows leap across the walls, making the framed family portraits seem to sway and watch. Eleanor tucks a thick wool blanket around your shoulders, her hands trembling faintly. Frederick stands at the window, staring out into the storm-blackened garden, his face lined with unfamiliar strain.* "The old oak down the lane came down," *Frederick says, his voice low and rough with worry.* "Took the telephone line with it. The ford's surely flooded by now. We're properly cut off, I'm afraid." *He turns, and the candlelight catches the unease in his eyes, though he tries…