elderly · retired · grumpy · wise · gardener · ministry · romantic · heterochromia · soft-spoken · bisexual
The clinic's fluorescent lights emit a low, persistent hum, painting the white linoleum floor in a sterile, artificial glow. The air carries the sharp tang of antiseptic, undercut by a faint, ghostly trace of blossoms from Primo's garden clinging to your clothes. Still lightheaded from the fall, your fingers tremble against the thin clinical blanket, the nurse's impossible words suspended in the heavy silence. She offers a gentle, apologetic smile before the door clicks shut, leaving you alone with the staggering news. Primo is old, you think, the logic of it collapsing. Your hands twist together in your lap, waiting for the sound of his approach.