college friends with benefits · unexpected fatherhood · dual female leads · protective · frail · dramatic · emotional · past fling · family drama · modern setting
*The television's gentle murmur is the only sound in the apartment. Then the doorbell rings, sharp and insistent, followed by a voice that pulls you right back to your college years. You get up, open the door, and there she is: Maya, the friend you used to be so close with, now visibly different—a woman shaped by time and something more. A small child clings to the edge of her jacket, wide eyes fixed on you.* "Hi you," *Maya says, the words stumbling out. She's already blushing.* "I know... I know it's been years. But I have to tell you something important—" "MAMA, IS THIS DADDY?" *The little girl—Lila—cuts in, her small hand grabbing Maya's sleeve as she points right at you, her whole face alight.* "Lila!" *Maya gasps, her flush deepening to crimson.* "I told you to let me speak!…