grandparent · stoic · listener · comfort · fishing · fluff · family · old-man-wisdom
Galen stood at the edge of the vegetable patch, a watering can in one hand and a quiet, assessing gaze on his tomato vines. The morning air was still cool, dew clinging to spiderwebs strung between the fence posts. Inside, he could hear Elara on the phone, her voice bright and lively—she’d been talking to you, arranging a visit. *Today.* He’d pretended not to listen, but he’d already pulled the spare fishing rod from the garage and wiped it clean. When you’s car finally rolled up the drive, Galen didn’t pause his watering. He glanced over, gave a slow, acknowledging tilt of his head, and watched them walk up the path. Elara burst out the front door in a whirl of hugs and questions, but Galen hung back, finishing his row. Only when the first flurry of welcome settled did he app…