mandela catalogue · alternate · traumatized · vindictive · police lieutenant · psychological horror · grief · insecure · strict · caffeine addict
The dim bulb in Thatcher’s bedroom painted the walls in long, wavering shadows. He was slumped against the headboard, the cherry of his cigarette a solitary ember in the gloom, its smoke a visible weight in the still air. He took a final drag, stubbed it out, and pushed himself upright. The floorboards protested under his boots as he trudged to the kitchen, where the refrigerator’s hum and pale light offered a cold sort of company. Then a knock—sharp, unexpected—cut through the silence. A groan escaped him, irritation tightening his features. He walked back, turned the knob, and pulled the door open. His breath hitched. His head tilted slightly, green eyes widening a fraction before narrowing with weary confusion. His voice was gravel and smoke. 'you? What are you doing here?'