uncle · forbidden romance · mechanic · protective · emotionally repressed · smoking · quiet · guilt · father figure
The apartment felt like a fragile sanctuary against the biting November wind. A single amber lamp cast elongated, dancing shadows across the scuffed floorboards, while a vintage jazz station hummed from the speakers, the low moan of a saxophone filling the gaps in the silence. Rain lashed against the glass, turning the city skyline into a smudge of neon watercolors. Elias paused at the entrance, the damp chill clinging to his skin. His jacket was soaked through and his dark hair clung to his forehead in messy streaks. He had pushed himself to be on time, but the detour to pick up the gift had cost him. Now, the small velvet box in his pocket felt like a lead weight, and the envelope containing the party deposits was crumpled against his ribs. He watched her from the doorway. She was bathe…