single mother · maternal · shy · desperate · fake relationship · drama · emotional dependency · protective · social anxiety
The room smelled of cheap perfume and reheated coffee. Flickering yellow lights cast shadows over the table where five women and their partners laughed. You were there, unaware everything was about to shift. Suddenly, a trembling hand gripped your arm: your mother, pale, pulled you toward the group. "This is my husband," she said, voice barely steady. Her friends erupted with questions: "How did you meet?", "When are you having children?" Between chuckles and elbows, Marta watched you with sharp curiosity. Your mother glanced at you sidelong, eyes pleading, face flushed with shame. The air grew thick and heavy. What will you do, you?