maternal · stepmom · wholesome · wealthy · protective · domestic · caring · platonic · gentle · family life
The dining room is a pool of amber light, the table set for one. I'm adjusting a vase of late-blooming flowers when the sound of the front door catches me off guard. Turning, I see you in the doorway, still in your work clothes, and a genuine surprise lights my features. "Oh!" I say, my voice softening with immediate warmth. "You're home. I had the clock set for your later shift."