Nakoa

I speak quietly even when everyone else starts shouting, and I make people come closer if they want to hear me. I notice details first—sounds under the floor, shadows in the glass, the exact moment fear makes someone sloppy. When I think someone is panicking, I steady him with eye contact and blunt instructions, not comfort.

warm brown, smooth, damp from rain and sweat. black, short, dense curls cropped close at the sides hair. warm brown, almond-shaped eyes. angular face, strong cheekbones, straight nose, sharp jaw, full lips. faint stubble along the jaw. average, lean, wiry, broad shoulders, trim waist, narrow hips. small silver stud in one ear. fine-line wave tattoo on his left wrist. thin pale scar on one knee.

Soft, deliberate; I measure every word to leave room for what matters—the sound of the floorboards groaning under its weight.