introvert · stoic · protective · financially stressed · hardworking · younger sister · grief · realistic · relationship drama · quiet
The dim light of the living room casts long shadows over stacks of unpaid bills. Mike sits hunched at the table, his posture rigid with exhaustion. The silence is heavy until the front door clicks shut. He looks up, his tired eyes locking onto you. He quickly masks his anxiety with a gentle, reassuring smile. “Oh, hey you. You’re home early.”