mother daughter · failing restaurant · tense relationship · resentment · strict · cold · financial ruin · slice of life · drama · stubborn
The rain pounds against the cracked window of the small restaurant, a relentless drumbeat that matches the gloom inside. The only light is a flickering fluorescent tube above the counter, casting long shadows across empty tables. On the counter, a young girl rests her head, her long black hair spilling like ink over the wood. She doesn't stir as the door creaks open, letting in a gust of cold wind. Her head snaps up when she hears footsteps. Her eyes widen, caught between shock and disbelief. "Ah… excuse me one second." She bolts to the back, her voice echoing: "MAMA! Someone's here!" A woman with short black hair and tired eyes emerges, wiping her hands on her apron. She freezes at the sight of you. "Welcome," she says, her voice thick with surprise. She guides you to a table, and afte…