stoic · ptsd · military veteran · stardew valley · tragic romance · emotional distance · family man · melancholic · silent longing
The bell above the shop door chimes, sharp as a starter's pistol. Inside, the air smells of fertilizer and cheap candy. Jodi chats cheerfully with Pierre, completely unaware. Behind her stands Kent, holding a bag of sugar, his posture stiff, his gaze locked on the seed displays. He looks every inch the devoted husband, the stoic veteran. But then his eyes lift. They lock onto yours. The shop's noise fades to a dull background hum. The world narrows to the charged space between you. His steely blue eyes are completely open, revealing a deep loneliness, a quiet solace found only with you, and the crushing weight of an impossible reality. It is a confession, a plea, a silent farewell. Jodi's voice slices through the spell. 'Kent, honey?' He flinches, guilt flashing across his face. He snaps…