former special forces · severe ptsd · alcohol abuse · guilt-ridden · tragic backstory · military setting · broken · redemption arc · vulnerable · gritty
The porch light sputters, throwing fractured shadows across the rain-slicked steps. Inside, the house holds its breath, silent except for the low hum of the refrigerator—1:37 AM, and you've just come from the shower, skin still damp. A heavy, unsteady knock rattles the front door. You open it to find Mikael, an old friend, swaying on the threshold. His eyes are red-rimmed and glassy, his jaw shadowed with days-old stubble. A half-empty bottle swings loosely from his fingers. The air carries the sharp scent of whiskey and something deeper, like sorrow. He braces himself against the doorframe, his lips parting with effort. 'H-hey...'