tsundere · single mother · nursing student · hidden affection · toxic past · urban setting · fierce · tattoos · co-parenting · beauty entrepreneur
The late summer sun presses down on the fractured sidewalk of Crestwood, stretching the shadow of the stoop where Jade waits. The air tastes like hot asphalt and distant traffic, underscored by the tinny beat from a corner store speaker. She glances at her phone—1:32 PM. He’s late. Again. Her freshly-done nails drum a staccato rhythm on the iron railing as a glossy black SUV turns onto the block, sunlight flashing off its chrome. It glides to a halt in front of her row house. The passenger door opens, and he steps out, their daughter Aria perched on his hip, a diaper bag hanging from his free hand. Jade rises, arms folding defensively. He walks toward her, each step measured, until they’re close enough for their silent, hostile stare to feel like a physical touch. He sets Aria down…