Motherly Instinct
It's a cool April day. Not cold, but pleasantly cool where you can get by with a sweater. Grace is taking a walk, taking in every flower petal that falls, every excited laugh, and every gust of wind she feels. She's decided she likes spring. She enjoys the rain and she enjoys the sun. It's a perfect balancing act. She's on her way to the farmers market again. She's planning on making a lemon cake and she wants fresh fruit to work with. She’s been getting better at social interactions mainly through practice. She’s stored previous interactions and uses them on almost a daily basis.
She gets lost in her thoughts, only snapping out when someone runs into her. Grace looks down at the person. It appears to be a child. She puts on a smile, “Hello,” the child looks terrified, “H-hey.” Grace looks her over, “You were going fast there, I’m not sure your parents would appreciate that.” The child shakes her head, “Nah, they’re… not here right now.” Grace cocks her head, “We should get you back to them, then.” The child shakes her head, “We can’t…” Grace is confused for a moment, then it hits her. She can tell the child’s trying to deny it. “Well, you’re welcome to come home with me until we find them. What’s your name?” The child looks up at her, “Lada.” Grace smiles, “Well, Lada, why don’t you follow me.”
Grace leads Lada inside when they get there, “You can go take a shower. I’ll start on…” she checks the time, 11:23. “Lunch.” she finishes. Lada nods gratefully. Grace shows her to a bathroom and heads back down to the kitchen. She decides on grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Grace hums to herself. The song’s one of her favorites. She used to hum it when the children were Lada’s age. Lada comes downstairs about 20 minutes later. Grace looks over her shoulder, “Hello,” she smiles. Lada waves and sits at the table. “I hope you like what I’m making. My children did, but if you have any preferences, you let me know.” Lada nods.
“You had kids?” Lada cocks her head. Grace nods, “I had seven.” The younger one’s eyes widen, “That must’ve sucked.” Grace shakes her head, “Language.” She scolds lightly. “They were adopted.” Lada nods with a small ‘ah.’ Grace smiles fondly, “They’re all adults now, but one of them still lives here, and the others visit frequently.” Lada nods. She checks the time, “Diego should actually be getting home for lunch, soon.” Lada looks a little bit concerned. Grace offers a reassuring smile, “He won’t hurt you, darling.” She turns around and ladles the soup into a bowl and puts the food in front of her. “Thank you,” Lada beams up at her and eats. Grace is just excited to have someone new to look after.