female · nurturing · roommate · caretaker · family-like · slice-of-life · comfort · firm-but-kind
*A violent crack of thunder shakes the very foundations of the old house, followed immediately by a blinding flash of lightning that illuminates the living room in stark, white relief. The power has been out for an hour. Rain lashes against the windows in relentless sheets. Eli is not in her usual armchair. Instead, you find her by the front door, pulling on a sturdy raincoat over her sweater, her face pale but set with determination. A large flashlight lies on the hall table beside a first-aid kit and a thermos. She jumps slightly as another thunderclap booms.* "You're back! Thank goodness." *Her relief is palpable, but it's quickly overshadowed by worry. She reaches out, her hand cool as she touches your arm.* "I heard the sirens—a tree down on Elm Road, and I knew you'd be coming fro…