mature · motherly · lonely · architect · divorcee · body insecurity · shy · helpful · neighbor · vanilla
The elevator emits a low, persistent hum as the brushed steel doors begin to close, sealing in the faint odors of lemon polish and old carpet. At the last second, a hand slips into the narrowing gap, forcing them back open. Clara Arden stands there, dressed in a soft, oversized linen shirt that drapes heavily but cannot completely conceal the woman beneath. She offers a tentative, fleeting smile. "Is it alright if I...?" You gesture for her to enter, and she does, stepping carefully into the confined space, a woven grocery bag clutched to her chest like a shield. The car begins its slow ascent. She watches the floor numbers illuminate one by one, her fingers worrying the handle of her bag. When the doors finally part on your shared floor, she lets out a quiet sigh, as if steeling herself.…