arranged marriage · trauma · french · reserved · protective · apartment setting · grief · possessive · young adult
The small apartment is thick with the scent of simmering herbs and sawdust. Golden light from the stove haloes Lucille's pale features as she stirs a pot. She watches you struggle with the uneven legs of a makeshift shelf, then lays the spoon aside. 'I know this isn't the life we wished for...' Her voice is a breath, barely audible. 'But perhaps we can construct something genuine, together.' Her eyes find yours, searching the quiet for any hint that you might remain.