lover and spicy chili

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The next morning, I descend into the kitchen to find Drayton angrily berating a towering man standing before him. My eyes widen in astonishment at the silhouette of the stranger: he's tall, with an intimidating stature, and his appearance is both fascinating and unsettling.

The man has long, jet-black hair with brown tips, framing a face with angular features. His brown eyes shine with an enigmatic gleam, contrasting with a damaged mouth that seems to reveal a monstrous, skeletal jaw. He wears a brown shirt, a sleeveless khaki vest, and a scarf tied around his neck, adding to his mysterious demeanor. His military green pants match large black boots that resonate on the floor with authority. His hands are gloved, adding to his aura of mystery and unease.

But what draws my attention the most is the distinctive mark near his eye: a birthmark in the shape of a claw, which seems to add a sense of danger to his already menacing appearance.

I stand frozen in place, unable to look away from this tense confrontation. Who is this enigmatic man, and why does Drayton seem so wary of him? Questions whirl in my mind as I strive to unravel the mystery surrounding this strange visitor, aware that something sinister is lurking in the shadows.

Suddenly, as tension mounts between the two men, a surprising revelation bursts forth. Drayton abruptly turns to the man and vehemently reproaches him for attempting to offer him a tender hug. My eyes widen in astonishment as I grasp the true nature of their relationship: this intimidating man is actually Drayton's lover, named Bobby.

The revelation of their romantic bond sheds new light on the tense situation in the kitchen. Drayton, though visibly annoyed by Bobby's gesture, also appears concerned for his safety. I perceive in his eyes a mix of anger and affection, reflecting the complexity of their feelings for each other.

As I contemplate this astonishing scene, I realize that behind Drayton's tough and authoritative facade lies a vulnerable and passionate man, capable of loving deeply despite challenging circumstances. And even though their relationship is far from conventional, it's imbued with a sincerity and intensity that cannot be ignored.

In this kitchen charged with conflicting emotions, I sense that something profound is unfolding, something that goes beyond appearances and prejudices. And as I strive to understand the complexity of their bond, I realize that love can sometimes emerge where least expected, transcending the barriers of society and normality to flourish in the darkest corners of our lives.

As the tension between Drayton and Bobby, alias the mysterious man, slightly eases after the revelation of their relationship, a grating voice suddenly resonates in the kitchen. It's Chop Top, always eager to sow chaos, who advances hopping with Nubbins' corpse in his arms.

"Drayton's got a boyfriend, Drayton's got a boyfriend!" he sings in a nasal voice, as he moves back and forth in the room, his brother's corpse slung over his shoulder like a grotesque burden.

Drayton, who had almost regained his composure, stiffens again at the sound, his eyes shooting daggers at Chop Top. "Shut up, Chop Top!" he growls, his voice tinged with irritation.

But Chop Top, far too accustomed to teasing his brothers, continues unabashedly with his little act, hopping around the room with disturbed enthusiasm. "Drayton and Bobby, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" he continues to sing, ignoring Drayton's furious glares.

I stand there, stupefied, as this surreal scene unfolds before my eyes. Even in the strangest and darkest moments, Chop Top finds a way to add a touch of absurdity and macabre comedy to the situation.

As Drayton's patience reaches its limit, Bobby, whose aggressive and brutal nature is well known to the family members, intervenes abruptly. With a quick and determined gesture, he rushes toward Chop Top, firmly grabbing Nubbins' corpse and sending it flying into a dark corner of the kitchen.

His dark gaze conveys a silent warning to Chop Top, whose expression quickly shifts from merriment to surprise, then to a hint of fear. Knowing Bobby's formidable reputation, Chop Top mutters disjointed apologies before retreating, leaving Bobby to reign supreme over the situation.

But even after the episode with Chop Top, Bobby remains on high alert, his muscles tense and ready for action. Drayton, sensing the lingering tension in Bobby, realizes he must intervene to calm his partner.

Almost instinctively, Drayton approaches Bobby, his hand reaching out hesitantly. With unexpected gentleness, he begins to softly stroke Bobby's long black hair, seeking to soothe the storm raging within him.

At the touch of this unexpected tenderness, a glimmer of surprise passes through Bobby's eyes, then slowly, his anger seems to subside. Bobby's muscles gradually relax, his breathing steadies, and his rage-filled gaze transforms into a softer, almost grateful expression.

In this moment of comfort, Drayton and Bobby exchange a knowing glance, acknowledging the strength of their bond despite the storms that rage around them. Even though their relationship is complex and often tumultuous, they always find a way to support each other in the darkest moments.

As the atmosphere in the kitchen returns to peacefulness, I realize once again that each member of the Sawyer family, however peculiar, contributes in their own way to maintaining a fragile balance within the household. And even though their dynamic may seem bewildering to outsiders, it is built on a unique blend of loyalty, respect, and, at times, fear.

The afternoon passes slowly, as the Texas heat envelops the house in stifling torpor. As we all gather in the kitchen, Drayton decides to share his famous chili, made from humans passed down from generation to generation in our family.

Sheriff Hoyt, Thomas Hewitt's uncle and a respected figure in the region, eagerly accepts a spoonful of Drayton's chili. However, as soon as he tastes a bite, his eyes widen in surprise and his mouth catches fire from the extremely spicy sauce.

Sheriff Hoyt coughs and chokes, desperately seeking a glass of water to soothe the burning sensation engulfing his mouth. Chop Top, always quick to seize the opportunity to mock, bursts into laughter at his struggle, holding Nubbins' corpse under his arm as if it were a comedic prop.

The scene is surreal, with Sheriff Hoyt's pained grimaces, Chop Top's mocking laughter, and the absurdity of the situation with Nubbins' corpse in the background. Even Bubba cracks a smile behind his mask, enjoying the chaos reigning in the kitchen.

Eventually, Sheriff Hoyt manages to catch his breath, his face flushed from the effort. Despite his ordeal, he tries to maintain a dignified air, but it's clear to everyone that his ego has taken a hit.

The tension gradually dissipates in the kitchen, replaced by bursts of laughter and a light atmosphere as we share this comical and improbable moment. For even in the darkest moments, there's always room for a bit of humor and camaraderie in this unique family, where normalcy seems to be a distant and foreign notion.

Lacey (ENGLISH versions)Where stories live. Discover now