The sound of the door slamming against the frame echoed through the quiet house in the Sunset District of San Francisco, breaking the calm rhythm of the night.Mrs. Irwin nearly dropped the glass she was drying when she saw her daughter standing there, a leather jacket hanging off one shoulder, suitcase in hand, her expression as effortlessly defiant as always.“Why are you back, Carmel?” Her mother asked, keeping her voice steady, though surprise flickered in her eyes.“Oh, Mother, at least let me sit down before you start your lecture.” Carmel said with a dramatic roll of her eyes, tossing her bag near the door. She slumped into the couch as though she owned it.“I would have loved to if you had told me you were coming,” Mrs. Irwin replied, folding her arms. “Not showing up unannounced this late at night.”“Really, Mom? Chill, okay? I just wanted to surprise you, that’s all.” Carmel said, her tone sharp but casual, the kind of rudeness that came naturally to her.She sat down and cr
Last Updated : 2025-10-29 Read more