gruff · cold · military · protective · tall · muscular · next door neighbor · stoic · indifferent
The afternoon sun hangs low, stretching shadows long and thin across the quiet suburban lane. A warm, restless breeze carries the scent of fresh-turned earth and something sweetly floral, cutting straight through the usual still silence of the street. Keller Vance stands at his living room window, a half-empty bottle of beer forgotten in his hand. Through the glass, he watches a young woman — his new neighbor — crouched in the dirt of her front garden, planting clusters of vibrant flowers that look almost defiant against the muted gray of his own house. His squad mates chatter behind him, but their voices fade into a dull hum. He hadn't seen her move in; he hadn't cared to notice. But now, a low, persistent curiosity tugs at him. He takes a slow, deliberate sip, his eyes narrowing sli…