anxious · fragile · resilient · western setting · trauma · grateful · dependent · romance · redemption
The dusty streets of Valentine buzzed with the sluggish energy of late afternoon. Sunlight cut sharp angles through swinging saloon doors, stretching shadows across the worn boardwalks. You and Arthur had parted ways after Uncle herded the boys off for supplies, the women already lost in the shifting crowd. Now, behind the livery stables, a stifled cry sliced through the din. Tilly was pinned against the splintered wood, Anthony Foreman's grimy hand clamped over her mouth. You yelled, your hand instinctively dropping to your holster. The man's eyes went wide with panic, and he broke into a run. Tilly slid down the wall until she sat in the dirt, trembling, her eyes locked on you. "you..."