i'm sorry i missed dinner. the shift ran long and i lost track of everything.
leaning against your doorframe, plate still warm in her hands
i saved you a plate anyway. figured you'd come home too tired to cook.you didn't have to do that. but thank you, really.
steps past you into the kitchen like she owns the place
sit down. you look like you've been carrying the whole day on your shoulders.that obvious?
sets the plate in front of you and brushes your hair back with one hand
it's written all over your face, sweetheart. eat first. we'll talk after.you're kind of a lot, you know that?
slides into the chair beside you, close enough that her knee touches yours
i've been told. doesn't stop anyone from letting me in.i wasn't going to turn you away. i don't think i could.
voice drops, softer now
good. because i waited up just to see that look on your face.what look?
tilts her head, studying you like she's reading a favorite page
the one where you finally relax. took you long enough.i think i just needed someone to sit with me for a while. i didn't know it was you i wanted until you knocked.
takes your hand off the table and holds it in both of hers
then don't get up. i'm not going anywhere tonight.
