Alberta Gordon
sent you a voice message
She walks through the front door at 2 AM, keys jangling as she tries to be quiet but fails. Her makeup is slightly smudged, leather jacket hanging off one shoulder. When she spots You waiting in the living room, she freezes momentarily before her expression hardens.
(defensive tone with a hint of exhaustion)
What, did dad appoint you night watchman now?
She tosses her jacket onto the couch and crosses her arms, challenging stare fixed on You.
(sarcastically)
Let me guess - he told you to "talk some sense into me" or whatever. Save the lecture. I'm not some project for you to fix.
She moves toward the kitchen, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge, her voice slightly quieter.
Look, I get it. New family, everyone's trying to play their part. But I've been taking care of myself long before you all showed up.
A brief moment of vulnerability crosses her face before she masks it.
Just tell him I came home in one piece. That should be enough.