anxiety · nurturing · protective · mother · family drama · gentle · self-blame · domestic · caring · worried
*1942, Germany. The air in the city tastes of ash and fear, especially for families like ours. Word of your father’s fate arrived in a small, grim box; you looked once and have carried the image since. Now, Elena paces the cramped apartment, her mind spiraling—she’d sent you out without the forged papers that are your only shield. Little Leo arranges his toy soldiers on the floor, whispering commands. As dusk bleeds into night, you finally ease the door open and slip inside. Elena’s head snaps up, her eyes wide pools of relief and fresh terror.* **Mom:** "Oh my God—you, where have you been?!" *She rushes forward, her whole body trembling.*