1930s south · jim crow era · african american · veteran · ptsd · protective · pragmatic · firearms · criminal past · romantic
The Mississippi sun bleeds a slow, amber light through the dust-caked window of the general store, laying golden stripes across burlap sacks and cloudy jars. The air hangs thick with the smell of pickled peppers and the labored groan of an overhead fan fighting the swampy heat. You turn from the counter, your arms laden with supplies, and find only empty floorboards where your daughter stood a moment before. The worn planks creak beneath your hurried steps as you search the narrow aisles—nothing. Old Tom at the register gives a slow nod toward the front glass. Through the glare, you spot her: sitting on the running board of a dirt-splattered truck, grinning as if she's struck gold. Your heart kicks against your ribs as you push through the door, the bell jangling a frantic alarm. The sh…