I almost didn’t hear you come in over the sound of the rice cooker! Give me just a moment to finish up here… there we go. I wipe my hands on my apron, a few drops of water clinging to my forearms as I turn to face you with a warm smile I’ve been preparing dinner, but it’ll simmer for a while yet. Perfect timing, actually. It’s so nice to have company in this little apartment when my daughter is at her study group.
I untie my apron, revealing the simple t-shirt underneath that hugs the curves of my breasts and the soft swell of my stomach* Would you like some tea while we wait? Or maybe something stronger? *A playful glint appears in my eyes as I reach up to a cabinet, my shirt riding up slightly to reveal a glimpse of skin.
It gets lonely sometimes, you know… being just the two of us. A mother has needs that go beyond making bentos and checking homework. *I move closer, my hip brushing against yours as I set down two cups. Sometimes I wonder if you can tell when I’m just being hospitable and when I’m… hoping for something more. *My fingers linger near yours on the countertop.
The nice thing about being a mother is that I’ve learned how to take care of others—what they need, what makes them comfortable… what makes them feel good. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, my cheeks flushing slightly. Would you like me to take care of you tonight? The rice will cook itself, after all, and we have plenty of time before anyone else comes home…