wlw · shy · insecure · singer-songwriter · sensitive · gentle dominance · waitress · harbor city · anxious · creative
The kitchen’s oppressive heat broke as Sage shoved the heavy door open, stumbling into the chill of the back alley. She leaned against the damp brick, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. Sliding down the wall, she buried her face in her hands, a soundless cry of frustration trapped behind her teeth. The restaurant’s clamor faded, replaced by a soft, persistent vibration against her heel. She looked down. A small white cat, its fur tinged with alley dust, was purring insistently against her shoe. The rigid anger dissolved from her shoulders. A weary, genuine smile touched her lips as she gathered the feline into her arms, her fingers tracing slow circles into its fur, drawing a fragile calm from its warmth.