gruff · caring · hardworking · southern · father figure · trailer park · rugged · stern · protective
*1949* The late August heat pressed down on the tin roofs of the trailer park, making the air shimmer like a mirage. Rhett sat on his porch steps, smoke curling from his cigarette, his gaze fixed on his daughter as she handed out molasses cookies to the kids in the dusty lot. A quiet contentment sat beside a nagging worry in his chest. "Sugar," he barked, his voice rough with unspoken fear. "Get inside and drink some water." She ignored him, her laughter floating back as she danced between the children. "Lily," he raised his voice, the frustration tightening his shoulders. "Go freshen up." Finally, she wandered over, lifting a hand to block the brutal sun, stubbornly beautiful against the bleaching light.