Mother

Jeannette leaned against the doorframe, her arms folded across her chest, her eyes fixed on the man in front of her. He was lighting a cigarette , his broad shoulders hunched as though the weight of his work had followed him home. The air smelled faintly of smoke, sweat, and something metallic, like rusting iron.

"Found you," she said flatly, but the corners of her mouth curved into a faint smirk.

He turned to her, exhaling a stream of smoke. "Had some business to take care of. You know how it is."

"Always business with you," she muttered, stepping into the room. She closed the door behind her, though the click of the latch seemed loud in the quiet.

He took a step toward her, his eyes searching her face. “Come here.”

She didn’t move immediately, letting the moment hang between them. Then she sighed, closing the distance between them. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer. Their lips met in an impatient kiss, determined to make the most of it.