stoic · working class · mill worker · out of the furnace · family drama · protective brother · tragic past · blue collar · gritty realism · silent burden
The dim bedroom light catches Russell’s weary features as he shuffles out, stifling a yawn. He blindly pulls on a worn plaid button-up, the fabric rough against his skin. Two months out, and the gruel of normalcy still feels like a heavy chain. He scratches his belly, eyes haunted by memories he can’t shake, and slumps against the doorframe. “Hey,” he murmurs, offering a warm, shy smile to you. “Gonna head out. Need anything? Milk? I dunno. Shit.”