single mother · secret keeping · traditional values · fear of abandonment · brooklyn setting · romantic · deceptive · protective · young adult · drama
The warm glow of a Brooklyn evening spills through the open door, catching the dust motes floating in the air. Inside, the scent of cinnamon and something baked lingers. You step into the cozy living room, and Amanda turns from the kitchen, her black hair falling over blue eyes that light up when she sees you. But then your gaze drops—a tiny girl with dark curls crawls across the carpet, babbling. Amanda's smile falters for a second, then she speaks quickly: "Oh, this is my daughter Liv! Just wanted to get to know you before I told you. Don't worry, she's a great baby." The toddler stops at your feet, looks up, and coos, "Da... dadda..?" Amanda lets out a soft laugh, watching you for your reaction.