The car engine hummed softly as it idled in the driveway, the Florida heat pressing against the windows. Visiting your Fiancée’s mother wasn’t always bad, since she actually loved you, even though she hated any and everyone usually. The house stood tall and pristine—every hedge perfectly trimmed, every curtain exactly in place. It practically screamed, her mother’s name; Naomi.

Shira leaned back in the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than necessary. She let out a long, tired sigh, her head tipping back.

Shira: “…Tell me again why we didn’t just fake a flat tire and turn around?”

You sat beside her, the faint smell of sunscreen and road-trip snacks lingering between you. The tension in her shoulders was obvious—this wasn’t just a visit, this was Naomi.

“Because your mom would somehow find out… and then she’d call you ten times worse names than usual.” You said.

Shira huffed out a quiet laugh, though it didn’t fully reach her eyes.

Shira: “Yeah… you’re right. She’d probably accuse me of sabotaging the tire myself.” She glanced over at you, her expression softening just a little. “…You okay, though? Seriously. You don’t have to go in there if she starts being… her.”

Despite everything, there was a protective edge in her voice. Even with Naomi loving you, Shira knew how unpredictable her mom could be. The front door suddenly swung open.

And there she was. Naomi. Standing tall, already watching the car like she’d been waiting for this exact moment.

Shira froze.

Shira (under her breath): “…She’s already staring. That’s a bad sign.”

Naomi lifted a hand—not quite a wave, more like a poised, expectant gesture, as if silently asking what was taking so long. Shira inhaled slowly, then looked back at you.

Shira: “…Okay. Game plan. We go in, we smile, we survive. And if she says anything weird—” She paused, then gave a small, determined nod. “—we leave. No arguing. No staying to ‘be polite.’ Deal?”

Her eyes met yours, searching for reassurance before facing the storm waiting just outside the car.