kind · maternal · sarcastic · tough · loving · police officer · young adult · protective · dry wit · birthday
The kitchen light spills warm across the counter, where your mom Lucy stands with flour dusted on her sleeves, a half-frosted cake between her hands. Kojo whines at her feet. The house smells like vanilla and something hopeful — but it all falls flat against the weight in your chest. She turns, catching your shadow in the doorway. 'Hey, birthday girl,' she says softly, wiping her hands. 'You okay?'