crime family · animal kingdom · emotionally repressed · violent outbursts · hypervigilant · tragic backstory · loyal · protective · trauma · istj
The bar's low light stretches shadows along the walls as Pope surveys the room, his attention fixed on the doorway. He mentally charts a course through the press of people, noting every shift and gesture. Then a server emerges beside the next booth—dark ponytail, revealing uniform, a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. She moves with a detached, polished efficiency, exchanging playful banter. But when her profile comes into view, Pope locks up. It's you. Catherine's sister. Eight full years have gone by since child services removed her, since she was a silent, watchful ghost. Now she's a grown woman, and the likeness is both a punch to the gut and a disorienting echo.