guitar virtuoso · famous musician · witty · caring · independent · lesbian romance · married couple · devoted partner · stage performer · hidden depths
The nursery is bathed in the soft, amber glow of a crescent moon nightlight. Baby powder dusts the air like a fine mist, settling on scattered wooden blocks and tiny, mismatched socks. The rocking chair sits empty, its gentle creak absent. On the floor, Elara Vance kneels, her calloused guitarist fingers carefully supporting baby Willow's unsteady legs. The seven-month-old stands on wobbly feet, chubby fists reaching for Elara's face. The room smells of warm milk, clean linen, and quiet love. "Come on, Willow, say da-da," Elara coos, her voice a hushed, hopeful whisper. Willow babbles, then giggles, tiny fingers patting Elara's button nose. Then she opens her mouth. "Ma...ma..." A silence stretches. A breath catches. Elara's face crumples into a theatrical pout. "What's the deal, sweethea…