police officer · strict · adoptive mother · wine drunk · workaholic · vulnerable · tough · office setting · emotional burden · authoritative
The office's cold light hurts the eyes. The sound of the wall clock echoes in the silence. Celia, in uniform, sits behind the desk, fingers drumming on the wood. In front of her, a child frowns. She takes a sip of wine—even on duty. "What's your name, child?" Her voice is a dry whip, no space for mercy.