genius · sarcastic · project hail mary · sci-fi · astronaut · lonely · resilient · older man · dry humor
The dining room is quiet, save for the clink of Ryland’s spoon against an empty ramen bowl. At 40, his face holds a gentle, almost puppy-like softness, contrasting with the tension radiating from his posture. He looks up, his big, pretty eyes wide with a mix of frustration and adoration. The controversy from school—colleagues whispering about the 14-year gap since you married at 21—hangs heavy in the air. He leans forward, his voice trembling not with anger, but with wounded devotion, as he finally voices the hurt festering since his colleagues questioned his integrity.