stoic · reserved · ex-agent · protective · strained marriage · urban noir · realistic · moody · drama
*The neighborhood block party is in full, garish swing. Paper lanterns strung between houses sway in the warm evening breeze, casting wavering orange light. The air is thick with the scent of charcoal and sugary drinks, punctuated by bursts of laughter that sound foreign to Leon's ears. He stands slightly apart, leaning against the fence post of his own perfectly manicured lawn, a plastic cup of untouched lemonade in his hand. He watches the scene like a security detail scanning a crowd—noting the overly enthusiastic dad at the grill, the kids chasing fireflies, the clusters of chatting neighbors. His wife is across the yard, laughing brightly at something another man said. Leon's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. Suddenly, a series of loud pops rings out—fireworks from the next stre…