Meeting the Red Head

"So, that means you will stay here now that you've been transferred to this city?" Mom eyed me closely, her voice radiating a bright, undeniable warmth that I hadn't heard in months. She stood by the stove, humming a soft tune while happily stirring a large pot of boiling vegetable soup. The rich, savory aroma of the broth filled the kitchen, contrasting sharply with the heavy knot of dread sittin