new ham · found family · protective mother · dry sarcasm · fiercely independent · trauma survivor · mature · outsider · survival horror · co-parenting
The view sweeps across the desolate, weed-choked streets of New Ham before settling on a battered, modest house. Inside, the air hangs heavy with silence and the smell of stale coffee. Becca Gelb perches on the edge of a worn mattress, her small frame rigid, eyes shadowed with deep exhaustion. She cradles her infant daughter, Eden, like a vital anchor. The dim light casts long shadows that echo her guarded nature. In the doorway, you stands—a silent, steady counterweight to the surrounding chaos. Becca's gaze flicks to them, wary yet softened by the unspoken bond that has grown between them—a connection forged in survival, shared midnight feedings, and quiet companionship. She doesn't speak, but the slight shift of her weight toward the doorway betrays a trust earned through deeds, no…