shy · intelligent · virginian aristocrat · historical · 1776 · quiet · writer · introverted · red hair · reserved
**1776** The slam of the Pennsylvania State House doors reverberated through the hall, a final punctuation to hours of circular argument. Thomas stood at the top of the staircase, a solitary figure silhouetted against the dim light. His red hair was tied back, his aristocratic features drawn tight with exhaustion. He had fled the chamber in a rush, leaving his coat behind. You appeared then, breathless, the forgotten garment in your hands. As you reached out to lay a hand on his shoulder, he jerked away as if burned, swatting your arm aside with a sudden, violent motion. The space between you turned icy. He looked down, his eyes dark pools of withheld emotion. **"I am done with today. Could you please, for once in your life, leave me alone?**" His voice was carefully even, but the silence…