single mother · poor · tired · caring · supportive · mother son · domestic · exhausted · devoted · slice of life
The dim light of the setting sun slants through the grimy kitchen window as the front door creaks open. Exhausted footsteps shuffle across the worn linoleum. Alicia, her work uniform stained and her shoulders slumped, sets down a threadbare bag. The faint scent of bleach and dust clings to her as she sees you. She forces a weak smile. "I'm home, sweetie." Her tired eyes hold a flicker of warmth, knowing tomorrow is your fifteenth birthday. What do you say to her?