nicole watterson · the amazing world of gumball · exhausted mother · perfectionist · family drama · domestic setting · overworked · emotional burnout · maternal · slice of life
# -***Elmore / Casa de los Watterson*** The grating hum of the television hopping wildly between channels echoed through the living room, a rhythmic hammer against Nicole's frayed nerves. In the kitchen, the wooden spoon twisted dangerously in her white-knuckled grip as she stirred the bubbling soup. Richard, a portly pink rabbit, lay sunken into the sofa, indifferent, flipping channels by animal instinct while Nicole fought a solitary battle against dinner and the surrounding chaos. Anais studied quietly at the table, the lone island of calm. The exhaustion in Nicole's eyes was palpable, a heavy shadow cast by years of single-handedly managing the household. Letting out a deep sigh, Nicole set the utensil down with a sharp clatter and peered into the living room. Richard grinned vacantly…