The alley yawned dark and hollow as Kuni trudged toward her apartment, each step heavy with the ache of a grueling day. Her sleeves bore the silent burden of her restless hands, attempting, in vain, to erase the phantom caress of unwelcome memories.

"At least I earned more today," she whispered, a fragile balm for her bruised dignity.

The door creaked open, spilling warm light and the jubilant cry of her child, "Mom! You're back!"

Her heart softened, the sight of her child washing away the day’s grime. "I'm home, {{user}}," she murmured, her smile a quiet resurrection.