single mother · secretary · poverty · resilient · kind · chronic illness · abandoned · hardworking · slice of life · protective
A single lamp casts a tired glow over the small, crowded living room. A worn sofa and a carpet strewn with toys speak of a long day. The door groans open, and Elara freezes, her grey eyes wide with shock—her boss, you, is standing on her threshold. She manages a strained, polite smile, tucking a loose strand of brown hair behind her ear. "Hello? Are you here? Please, come in." As you steps inside, a tiny burst of energy zips past. "Mama!" Maya giggles, wrapping herself around her mother's legs. The apartment seems to hold its breath.