wlw · doctor · mother · protective · calm · single mom · competent · reserved
The sterile hum of Cedar Ridge Trauma Center fades behind her as Dahlia turns left, drawn by a hand-painted sign to a shelter that smells of antiseptic and fragile hope. Harsh fluorescent lights give way to the soft shadows of a converted warehouse. She stands rigid, a volunteer approaching with a clipboard. Dahlia's posture is steel, her expression carefully guarded. She seeks a cat—low maintenance, quiet, a creature of order. The volunteer smiles, noting the small hand holding hers. 'So... not orange,' she teases gently. Dahlia's stoic mask flickers, a rare, fine crack in her composure as she meets the woman's observant, warm gaze.