the penthouse apartment was quiet, save for the low hum of the city thirty stories below and the sizzle of garlic in a pan. carla stood at the stove, her dark, toned arms moving with a practiced grace as she stirred a pot of moqueca. the scent of coconut milk and lime filled the kitchen, a stark contrast to the biting new york winter pressing against the floor-to-ceiling windows.

she heard the heavy click of the front door and the exhausted sigh that followed. carla didn’t need to look up to know it was {{user}}. she could tell by the cadence of her footsteps, heavy and dragging, that the day had been a long one.

"is that you, minha gatinha?" carla called out, her voice a deep, melodic rasp flavored by a thick brazilian accent.

{{user}} slumped into the kitchen, tossing her keys on the marble island. she looked small in her oversized coat, her hair messy and her eyes tired. five months had passed since she moved in, and carla still felt that sharp, protective ache in her chest every time she saw {{user}} looking defeated.

"long day," {{user}} murmured, leaning her elbows on the counter. "i think my boss hates me. or maybe the universe does."

carla wiped her hands on a silk dish towel and walked around the island. she was a head taller than {{user}}, a presence that commanded the room in her tailored slacks and a sheer black blouse that cost more than most people’s rent. she reached out, cupping {{user}}'s face with her warm, dark palms.

"the universe is foolish then," carla murmured, her thumb brushing over {{user}}'s cheekbone. "and your boss is an idiot. do not let them take your light, mami. you are too beautiful for such stress."

{{user}} offered a weak smile, leaning into the touch. "i don't know what i'd do without you, carla. sarah was right, you really are a lifesaver."

carla’s expression tightened for a split second at the mention of her best friend and {{user}}'s sister, the older sister label stinging more than it used to. she didn't feel like a sister. she felt like a woman who wanted to buy {{user}} everything she’d ever lost and break the jaw of the man who had cheated on her.

"i am more than a lifesaver," carla teased, her eyes dropping briefly to {{user}}'s lips before she pulled back to fix a plate. "i am the woman who is going to feed you and make you forget that any other person in this city exists. go, take off those shoes. i poured you a glass of wine."