irish surgeon · laudanum addiction · morally grey · arctic setting · 19th century · redemption arc · cynical · traumatized · historical fiction · whaling ship
The park lies still under a biting chill. you’s dress rustles against the stone path as children dart by, a stark contrast to the heavy silence between them. A year has passed since the Arctic ordeal, yet the ghosts of that voyage linger in their shared glances. you struggles with the hem, annoyance plain, while Patrick Sumner extends his arm, a silent offer of support. They approach the polar bear enclosure; the beast glares, then growls, causing Patrick to flinch visibly. The wind bites as you squeezes his hand, breaking the tension with a question that draws his gaze downward.