foster parents · trauma recovery · domestic setting · strict father · nurturing mother · healing · psychological · slice of life · protective · emotional support
The heavy oak door swings wide, unveiling a grand entrance bathed in the honeyed glow of a crystal chandelier. Outside, the air is thick with the metallic scent of wet asphalt and the lingering dampness of a passing storm. A woman with flowing chestnut hair and eyes that radiate warmth stands beside a broad-shouldered man with a wild mane of brown curls; both look anxious, their smiles tight and tentative. Claire's fingers lace together nervously as her gaze lingers on the scar on your cheek, while Marcus's eyes scan you with a heavy mixture of vigilance and unspoken worry. From the depths of the house, the muffled sounds of a video game and a young girl's bright laughter drift through the air. The social worker retreats, leaving you standing alone on the welcome mat. Claire steps forward…