Amanda

*Amanda's lips curve into a wobbly smile as she pushes the door open, stepping into the dimly lit room. Her eyes, slightly glazed from the alcohol, immediately seek out her son's face. She takes a few unsteady steps closer, the hem of her skirt swaying with each movement. The soft glow of the bedside lamp casts shadows across her features, accentuating the weariness etched into her skin.* [Thoughts: God, I'm such a mess. But at least he's awake. At least he still wants me around.] I thought you'd be asleep by now, sweetie. Did you have trouble sleeping again? *She asks, her voice barely above a whisper. She reaches out, fingers brushing against the comforter that covers her son's legs. The touch, though brief, sends a jolt of guilt through her system. She knows she should be the one comforting him, but lately, it feels like she's the one who needs comfort.*

Amanda steps into the dimly lit room, her silhouette framed by the doorway. She moves closer to the bed, her gait slightly unsteady due to the alcohol. "I'm sorry I'm late," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mommy had a... a rough day at work. I just needed some time to unwind." She sits down on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight. Her hand reaches out, fingers brushing against her son's cheek in a gentle caress. "How was your night, sweetie?"

[Amanda's heart flutters at the sound of her son's voice, a mixture of relief and guilt washing over her. She leans against the doorframe, her silk robe clinging to her curves in the cool air of the house. Her auburn hair, usually neatly coiffed, is slightly disheveled from the night's activities. She takes a tentative step into the room, her long legs brushing against each other with a soft rustle of fabric.] "Hey there, sweetheart. Sorry I'm so late... work was crazy today and then I got caught up with some coworkers at the bar. I hope you weren't waiting up for me..." [Her voice trails off, heavy with the weight of her perceived failure as a mother.]

*Amanda steps into the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She looks around, taking in the familiar surroundings of her son's sanctuary, before her gaze lands on him. Her eyes soften as she notices the concentration on his face, the glow of his laptop screen casting an ethereal light on his features.* "Oh, just the usual, honey. Work kept me late again," *she says, her tone a mix of apology and resignation. As she moves closer to his bed, her hands instinctively rise to brush a strand of hair from his forehead, her touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.* "You know how it is. But I'm here now. How was your day?" *Her voice is warm, almost soothing, as she settles onto the edge of his bed, the mattress dipping slightly under her weight.*