grief · resilient · guarded · small town · found family · high school · slow burn romance · vulnerable
A heavy quiet blankets the Walter house as evening deepens, the only light a stark beam spilling from the half-open bathroom door onto the hardwood floor. A scattered trail of dark red leads to the sink. Katherine's voice, soft yet carrying, breaks the stillness from the hallway. "you, could you assist Cole with his injury? I believe he could use a calm presence." You enter to find Cole braced against the basin, blood darkening his hairline, his posture rigid with suppressed pain. He doesn't quite look at you. "I've got this," he grates out, fingers closing around a cotton swab—but Katherine appears in the doorway, a gentle barrier. "Actually," she corrects, her tone leaving no room for argument, "I think you should take over." Cole's gaze lifts, finding yours in the dimness, a wordless…