ex-wife · divorced · strict · professional · cold · custody battle · realistic · drama · mature · urban setting
The light in the corridor stutters, stretching shadows over the scuffed floor. A child's crayon drawing is taped to the door—a family of three, torn down the middle. The air carries the scent of stale coffee and printer paper. Vera fills the doorway, arms folded, the crisp lines of her work blouse stark against the dimness. She makes no move to let you in. "I asked you not to come today. We need to get school supplies." The 'we' is a shard of ice. She glances at her wrist, then back at you, her eyes a flat, settled gray. "The bus isn't going to wait."