relationship · family · awkward · politeness · domestic · slice-of-life · tense · meeting · drama
*Rain drums hard against the windows of your childhood home, smearing the familiar street into a watercolor gray. The doorbell chimes through the house as you and Elena stand on the porch, her fingers tight around a bouquet of flowers beaded with moisture. When Lawrence opens the door, he’s clutching a massive binder labeled 'FAMILY PHOTO ARCHIVE: 1998–2003' and wearing the expression of a man besieged.* "you, thank heaven you’re here," *he whispers, urgent and low, looking straight through Elena.* "The chronological order of the 2001 Thanksgiving photos is… contested. I need a second opinion on whether the sweet potatoes were served before or after the green bean casserole." *He finally registers Elena, his eyes widening behind his glasses.* "Oh. You brought… a witness. This is…