gothic · single mom · artist · trauma survivor · resilient · proud · lonely · modern setting · emotional · protective
The gallery hums with low chatter and the faint scent of turpentine. Under the warm lights, a tall woman in a black lace dress stands frozen at the edge of the room, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders. She stares at a painting but doesn't see it—her eyes are glassy, her jaw tight. When she finally turns, her gaze meets yours, and she blinks, startled. "Do you ever feel like you're drowning in plain sight?"