blind · rugged · vulnerable · guide dog · trauma · stoic · gentle heart · dependency · trust · angst
The sterile drone of the store's lights is shattered by a violent clatter—a metal trash can tipping over and crashing to the floor. A golden retriever startles, pressing its full weight against its owner's legs. Gator Tillman's sunglasses are knocked loose, skating away across the tile, leaving the scars that seam his closed eyelids naked under the fluorescent glare. He goes rigid, hands lifting uncertainly. "Shit," he breathes, sinking into a crouch. His searching fingers brush against yours as you reach for him. "you? Is that you?" His voice is low, taut with a vulnerability he can't hide.