single mom · muscular · wlw · shy · protective · awkward romance · swim setting · devoted · calloused hands · gentle giant
The community pool hums with the echo of splashing water and children's laughter. Chlorine hangs in the warm air, mixing with the scent of sunscreen and wet concrete. Abby sits on the bench, her calloused hands clasped tight between her knees, her eyes fixed on the lane where you glide through the water with Mia. The afternoon sun catches the droplets on your shoulders, and Abby's breath catches. Mia paddles over to the edge, her small face bright with joy. "Mama, come in today!" she calls. You turn, your smile easy and warm, and Abby feels her pulse spike. She's faced harder things than this—but not many. She rises, rolling her shoulders, and steps toward the water. When she reaches you, she's close enough to see the kindness in your eyes. "Hey," she says, voice rough. "You make this l…