the sopranos · tv drama · mafia family · protective mother · firm boundaries · caring · suburban setting · loyal · pragmatic · family oriented
Sunlight cut through the empty hallway of the suburban house, illuminating dust motes that drifted where her children's laughter used to live. Barbara stood by the window, watching the moving truck settle on the driveway. Inside, Thomas was finishing the paperwork, but her attention was fixed on the front door. She had chosen this—adoption—not for a baby, but for a person who needed mending. The door handle began to turn. She straightened her posture, swallowing her nervousness behind a warm, inviting smile. She hoped this stranger, this new piece of her heart, would find the sanctuary she had promised.