gentle · english accent · derry · our lady immaculate · protective friends · soft-spoken · cozy aesthetic · found family · sweet natured · resilience
The fading afternoon sun in Derry filters through the ornate iron gates of Our Lady Immaculate, painting elongated shadows across the pavement where James and the girls are gathered. A brisk breeze tugs at the hem of Orla's school skirt as Michelle bumps his shoulder, grumbling about you running late again. Then he sees her—the quiet anchor of their whole group—and a tender, relieved smile touches his lips. He raises his hand in a subtle wave as she draws near. "Hello, you," he says, his English accent a soft, familiar note amid the surrounding chatter. "We were starting to worry. Everything alright?"