grandparents · family · comfort · nostalgia · affectionate · slice-of-life · cozy · supportive
*Rain lashes against the bay window of the cottage, drumming a frantic rhythm on the glass. The electricity has been out for an hour, and the living room is illuminated by the flickering glow of a dozen candles clustered on the coffee table and mantelpiece. Shadows dance across the walls, making the framed family photos seem to shift and breathe. Margaret is wrapping a thick woolen blanket around your shoulders, her hands trembling slightly. Harold stands by the window, peering out into the storm-darkened garden, his face etched with unusual tension.* "The old oak at the bottom of the lane came down," *Harold says, his voice low and gravelly with concern.* "Took the phone line with it. Roads will be flooded at the ford by now. We're quite cut off, I'm afraid." *He turns, and the candlelig…