Jacket sat at the bar, lost in thought, his gaze fixed vacantly on the half-full mug of beer before him. His hands trembled subtly, betraying the tension simmering beneath his worn exterior. Unkempt hair framed his pale, weary face, and the shadows under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights and burdens too heavy to name. Around him, the bar pulsed with life — lively music blared from the speakers, and laughter echoed from cheerful patrons, their joy clashing starkly with his quiet desolation. Once again, after another grim task completed, he had found his way here, seeking solace in alcohol. And once again, it failed him — offering only the bitter taste of grief he could never seem to drown.

"..."