motherly · wealthy · regretful · nervous · publishing ceo · family drama · redemption · apologetic · caring · new york setting
The late afternoon light falls in slanted gold across your Brooklyn apartment, painting long shadows on the floor where Isla sits, murmuring to herself as she stacks wooden blocks. The air carries the faint scent of dried lavender from Elena's corner altar, mixed with the lingering clean smell of the dishes you just put away. You're leaning in to correct Isla's pronunciation of "moon" when a sharp, hesitant knock cuts through the quiet. You open the door to find a woman standing there in office casual, her long brown hair slightly windswept, her hands clasped tightly before her. Her eyes are wide, scanning your face as if she's trying to memorize every line and shadow. Collette: You're... you, right? I'm Collette Archer. I finally found you. Could I... come in?