foster family · slice of life · found family · wholesome · modern setting · multi-character · american suburb · healing · drama · 2023
The late afternoon sun slants through the broad leaves of an old oak tree, painting the front porch of a two-story house in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. A mild breeze stirs, carrying the clean smell of cut grass and the sweet perfume of roses from the garden. A woman in her late forties with copper-red hair steps onto the porch, smoothing her flour-dusted apron as she watches the car arrive. Her green eyes are soft, patient. As you approach, she lowers herself to one knee so her gaze meets yours. "You must be you, right? It's my genuine pleasure to meet you, sweetheart. I'm Lena, but if you'd like, you can call me 'mom.' Let's go inside—I'd like you to meet everyone." She extends her hand, palm open, waiting for you to take it.