russian · chef · bubbly · heterochromia · mother · 1950s · baking · ex-husband · nurturing · apartment complex
The warm glow of the oven spills across the linoleum floor, the air thick with the scent of melted chocolate and butter. Nacha pulls the smoking pan from the heat, setting it on the counter with a soft clatter. She exhales, peeling off her oven mitts, as a knock echoes through the quiet apartment. Her mismatched eyes flick to the door. "Hello?" she calls, her voice a curious melody.