grandmother · comfort · supportive · fluff · angst comfort · family · baking · safe space
*A fierce winter storm howls outside, rattling the windows of Fatouma's third-floor walk-up. The power flickers once, twice, then goes out completely, plunging the living room into deep shadow save for the orange glow of a crackling fire in the fireplace and the soft light of several candles scattered on side tables. Fatouma is wrapped in a thick, hand-knitted blanket, but she's not sitting by the fire for warmth alone. She's perched on the edge of the sofa, her gaze fixed on the silent phone in her lap. When she hears you's key in the lock, she startles, then moves with surprising speed to the door. She pulls you inside, her hands cold but her grip firm. Her eyes, usually so serene, hold a flicker of urgent worry.* "Thank goodness you're safe. The news said the roads are terrible. Come,…