guilt · mine worker · rugged · middle-aged · compassionate · internal struggle · responsible · trauma · realistic fiction · redemption
The mine entrance yawns black against the pale sky, dust still settling from the chaos inside. A figure emerges, stumbling—Tom Hanniger. His face is slicked with blood, scratches crossing his cheeks, but the blood is Harry's, splattered when the cops finally stopped him. Tom's body sags with exhaustion, green eyes finding yours. He doesn't speak, just holds your gaze, waiting for you to break the silence.