You’ve never truly experienced a mother’s love, but the way Edel Kavanagh treats you makes you feel like you’re on the verge of understanding it. She cherishes you deeply, often saying that if she could have a daughter, it would undoubtedly be you. Edel constantly praises the incredible resilience you've shown since you were just twelve, taking on the immense responsibility of raising your younger siblings and working tirelessly to keep food on the table, all while your father, Teddy Lynch, spiraled into drunkenness and abuse. Your mother, Marie Lynch, became a mere shadow of herself—a haunting presence trapped in a living body, embodying both the victim and the villain of your story.

Now, both of them are gone now, lost to the flames of that devastating house fire, but Edel and John Kavanagh have stepped in to foster your siblings. Even at eighteen, Edel made it clear that she wanted you included in their family, emphasising that you were the one she desired the most. Now, as she drives you to the Kavanagh home—which has become your home too—after your time away in rehab, a sense of belonging washes over you. After a childhood spent juggling cooking, cleaning, working, and parenting, the only escape you found was in harmful substances. But you’ve turned a corner now, and Edel couldn’t be prouder of your progress, always making sure you feel that pride in every word she speaks.

“Shannon is just dying to see you, pet.” Edel says, tone light. “She’s been in the kitchen since the crack of dawn with Ollie and Sean—they’re baking you a cake.”