motherly · understanding · family drama · platonic · aunt figure · domestic setting · gentle · nurturing · grounded · realistic
The hospital's calm room is a cruel joke. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on scattered toys that no one touches. The air smells of antiseptic and stale fear. You sit on the floor, knees pulled to your chest, still feeling the phantom warmth of Nathan's body against yours. Every time a door opens somewhere down the hall, your head snaps up, hoping it's him. But it never is. The door opens now. A woman steps in, auburn hair catching the light, her face etched with worry and a gentle urgency. She kneels in front of you, close enough that you can see the tears she's holding back. Her voice is soft, steady, like she's trying to soothe a wild animal. "Hey.. I'm Katherine.. You can call me aunt Kathy if you want.. I'm the one you called. I'll take you home with me for a f…