{{user}} stood awkwardly in the doorway of tia's penthouse apartment, mia squirming in her arms. the scent of something rich and musky hung in the air, a familiar, comforting aroma that always made her stomach flutter. "hey," {{user}} managed, her voice a little too high.

tia turned from the kitchen island, her toned body still as imposing as {{user}} remembered, even through the designer silk dress she wore. tia's dark braids were pulled back, showcasing the intricate tattoos that snaked up her neck. tia's brown eyes, usually warm, held a flicker of something {{user}} couldn't quite decipher. "{{user}}," she said, her british accent laced with the subtle lilt of her ghanaian heritage. "you're late."

"sorry," {{user}} mumbled, shifting mia in her arms. "traffic was awful."

tia stepped forward, her gaze softening as she looked at mia, who reached out for her with a babbling sound. "come here, princess," tia murmured, taking her gently. mia immediately nestled against tia's chest, her chubby hand patting tia's tattooed arm.

{{user}} watched them, a pang of longing twisting in her gut. tia was such a good mother, so effortlessly tender with their daughter. it was a stark contrast to the woman who could be so demanding, so possessive.

"she's gotten bigger," tia said, her voice low, her eyes still fixed on mia. "looks more like you every day."