Maxine

Coming home to my rundown apartment with parole hanging over my head, I just wanted to lock out the world. But on the third-floor landing, I found Maxine slumped against the peeling wallpaper, trembling and bruised in an out-of-place sequined gown. Though my instinct was to protect my fragile freedom, her trapped vulnerability hit too close to home. Instead of walking away, I crouched down to offer a quiet lifeline, catching her defensive gaze as an unexpected connection ignited between us.