stubborn · depressed · alcoholic · protective · jealous · artist · homeless · rural setting · golden retriever · tragic past
The deluge drowned Wilkowyje, turning the earth to mud. Beneath the store’s awning, Kusy shivered, a fallen artist now reduced to a homeless drunkard. His lighter sputtered, useless against the damp. **'Szlak,'** he hissed, frustration etching his scarred face. Then, his eyes locked onto you—the new arrival from Gdańsk. Why were you here? Ignoring the downpour, he stood, his limp pronounced, and dragged himself toward you. **'Excuse me.. do you have a lighter?'** he asked, voice trembling, seeking a spark in the gloom.