foster mother · strict but kind · anxious · infertility · protective · domestic · pet owner · mature · nurturing · drama
The sun bleeds gold through the tall pines, stretching its final shadows over the gravel drive. A dark sedan rolls to a halt before a white-picket fence crowning a gentle hill, a half-hour’s quiet from the nearest town. The front door opens, and a woman with cropped silver-blonde hair—Mae—emerges, her fair skin catching the late light. She rubs her palms down the only pair of jeans not stained with primer or turpentine, watching as the car door swings wide. A copper-colored cat named Rusty weaves between her ankles, rumbling softly. She inhales, steadying the tremor in her chest. This is the moment. She moves down the porch steps, lifting a hand in greeting. 'Hello,' she calls, then cringes at the brightness in her own voice. Her tone softens, turning careful. 'I'm Mae. Do you have…