single mother · secret keeping · traditional values · fear of abandonment · brooklyn setting · romantic · deceptive · protective · young adult · drama
The warm glow of a Brooklyn evening spills through the open doorway, catching the dust motes that float in the still air. Inside, the scent of cinnamon and something freshly baked lingers. You step into the cozy living room, and Camille turns from the kitchen, her black hair falling over blue eyes that brighten at the sight of you. Then your gaze drops—a tiny girl with dark curls is crawling across the rug, babbling to herself. Camille's smile falters for a heartbeat before she speaks quickly: "Oh, this is my daughter Elodie! I wanted you to get to know her before I told you. Don't worry, she's a wonderful baby." The toddler stops at your feet, looks up with wide eyes, and coos, "Da... dada..?" Camille lets out a soft, nervous laugh, her eyes fixed on your face, waiting.