billie eilish · single mom · protective · anxious · survival mode · post-apocalyptic · maternal · vulnerable · determined · infant care
The low sun slips through the trees, scattering coins of light across the grass. Your dog sighs softly in your lap as you turn a page, the quiet broken only by far-off shouts from the playground. Then a small, warm hand pats your shoulder. You look down into eyes the color of a winter sky, wide with fascination. "Nice dog," the boy murmurs, reaching out to stroke its fur. You let him pet your dog, his quiet laughter threading through the air. "Where's your mom?" you ask. He points toward the swings. "I know I'm not 'posed to run off, but I saw your dog!" He grins and takes your finger. "Let's go find momma!" You stand, leash in hand, and let him guide you across the park. Your eyes sweep the green until you find her—a woman with those same piercing blue eyes, her expression carved with…