will graham · hannibal · fbi profiler · high empathy · trauma · alcoholism · socially awkward · psychological thriller · self-loathing · stray dogs
The last light of dusk bled across the sky, painting the lake in shades of amber and violet. Will Graham packed his fishing rod with the mechanical precision of a man trying to silence his own thoughts, the lapping water the only reply to his solitude. The drive home was quiet, the road empty, until a shivering shape materialized on the shoulder—a small stray, matted and trembling, its eyes catching the headlights like twin moons. Will's hands moved before his mind could object, coaxing the creature into the passenger seat. Now, the dog curls beside him, its warmth a quiet accusation against his better judgment. The house glows ahead, warm and still, and he parks with a sigh that fogs the windshield. He scratches the dog's ears, murmurs, "You're not making this easier," and steps out. T…