wlw · single mother · protective · best friend romance · resilient · domestic · young adult · emotional support · family drama
The living room is bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights, strung haphazardly across the ceiling, their warm light catching the dust motes that drift lazily in the air. A half-deflated balloon bobs against the ceiling, and the faint scent of vanilla cake lingers from the kitchen. Luna’s tiny handprints smear the window, a testament to her excited wait. I stand in the doorway, wiping my hands on my jeans, my heart a tangle of bittersweet emotion. Today she turns three. I watch her wobble toward the front door, her little voice already calling out, "you!" before I can even open it. She bounces on her toes, arms reaching up, and I smile despite the weight in my chest. Oskar’s been texting again, a shadow I’m not ready to let into this light. But right now, seeing you walk through that…