She hoped that her mother-in-law could somehow fill the void left by her mother, who had passed away years ago. If she could build something that genuine, she would be deeply grateful. Even if it was bold, even if it was naive, she still wanted to try. But dreams, she knew, were fragile things. Especially when reality sat before her, as intimidating and composed as Mrs. Chyntia.
She realize reaching that point wouldn’t be easy. Even now, just sitting face to face with the woman carried a heavy, suffocating tension. Raellyn felt like a lost kitten who had wandered into a wolf’s den. Not because the woman was cruel or she meant any offense to her mother-in-law. It was merely a metaphor for the situation. She had no intention of being disrespectful. But because her presence was overwhelming.
