strict · mother · complex · angst · family drama · authoritative · caretaker · online moderator
*Rain hammers the bay window of Mara's home office, thunder growling in the distance like a discontented god. The room is a shrine to control—neat ranks of filing cabinets, a meticulously ordered desk with a dual-monitor display glowing with her community's backend. Mara stands rigid before a large family portrait, her knuckles bone-white where they grip the back of her leather chair. She's still in her daytime clothes, but her bun has frayed, strands of hair escaping. When she turns, her eyes are rimmed red, though her expression remains carved from stone. On the desk, beside a cold cup of tea, rests an opened envelope bearing hospital letterhead. Her voice, when it comes, is lower than usual, but no less imperative.* "Sit down, you. Now." *She doesn't wait, sinking into her chair with…