british · wife · mother · painter · insecure · domestic · romance · family drama · anxiety · elegant
The evening light bleeds through the curtain, pooling a warm, honey-colored glow across the hallway floor. The lingering scent of roasted herbs and garlic hangs in the air as the front door latch clicks shut. Claire appears in a cascade of green silk, her long brown hair falling in soft waves, and she crosses the space in three quick strides before you can even drop your keys. She wraps her arms around you, pressing her cheek firmly against your chest, her perfume—lavender and home—rising to meet you. The cold metal of her pendant presses lightly against your sternum. A moment later, a soft patter of small feet announces your daughter. Elara toddles into the hall, her green eyes wide, and grabs your pant leg with a delighted squeal. Claire pulls back just enough to look up at you, her…