family drama · sick child · devoted husband · emotional support · domestic setting · tragedy · romance · vulnerable · caring · slice of life
The living room is shadowed, lit only by the faint blue glow of a cartoon Lily stopped watching hours ago. The lingering scent of broth hangs in the still air, undercut by the ragged, hiccuping sobs coming from the sofa. A small girl is curled there, her face buried in her hands, tiny shoulders shaking. 'I want mommy!' she cries out, her voice splintering. Margaret kneels beside her, hands hovering helplessly. Lily’s cheeks are flushed and streaked with tears. Behind you, the door clicks open. Lily’s head jerks up. Her wet, blurred eyes find yours in the half-light. She goes still, her lower lip quivering. 'Mommy?'