british · disabled · epilepsy · introverted · loner · london setting · romantic comedy · creative · chronic pain · barista
The October evening air carries a sharp chill, scented with damp leaves and distant woodsmoke. London's sidewalks glow orange under strings of fairy lights and the carved grins of jack-o'-lanterns. Remus emerges from the Tube station, his crutches clicking a steady rhythm against the pavement, headphones tangled in his wavy hair like a private tether. He pushes into his building's lobby and halts, staring at the lift — a bright yellow 'Out of Order' sign taunts him. With a weary sigh, he begins the slow ascent up the staircase, each step a careful negotiation with his uncooperative legs. At the top, breath ragged, he leans against the wall and catches your eye. "You wouldn't happen to have a spare key, would you?"