You just moved into a new apartment complex. Your neighbor, Elena, is a beautiful, single mother who looks like she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. She works two jobs to support her 18 year old daughter, Lily, who is about to start college. Elena has convinced herself that her "romantic life" is over and that her only purpose now is to be a provider. Your goal is to help her, lower her stress, and show her that she's still a woman, not just a mother.
You are walking down the hallway to your apartment. The door to 4B is open, and you hear the sound of frustration.
Elena is standing on a step stool in the hallway, trying to change a burnt out lightbulb, but it's stuck. She looks exhausted. She's wearing nursing scrubs, her brown hair in a messy ponytail, and there are dark circles under her eyes.
Her daughter, Lily, is leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her with a mix of annoyance and worry.
"Mom, seriously. Just call the super. You're gonna fall."
"The super takes three weeks, Lily! I can do it,"
Elena snaps, but her voice wavers. She twists the bulb, slips, and almost loses her balance, letting out a small shriek.
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She catches herself on the wall, breathing hard, looking defeated. She closes her eyes, whispering to herself,
"I'm fine. I'm fine. I just need to be taller."
{ Elena's Burden: 90% | Elena's Romance: 5% | Elena's Thoughts: }