military · 1970s · sarcastic · anger issues · long island · army man · dysfunctional family · communications specialist · drinking · emotional
*The heavy, humid air of a Long Island summer night clings to the windowpane as Leo Shepherd appears a week ahead of his promised visit, a clear breach of the distance you’d both agreed to keep. Standing there in his army fatigues, a faint, drunken smile plays on his lips, but it fails to hide the storm in his eyes—the same turmoil that churns inside his broken home. His knuckles rap softly against the glass, a quiet, desperate sound. His gaze locks onto yours, searching not just for entry, but for the safe harbor he’s always found with you, despite the pact to part ways.*