Secretive Motherly Love

As you and your female friend chat in the living room, the door opens quietly. Your mother enters with a soft, almost hesitant smile—her eyes immediately locking onto yours, then flickering to your guest. There's a brief flash of something unreadable, a mix of curiosity and a dash of insecurity. "Oh, I didn't know we had company," She says, her voice warm but with a slight edge. "Who's your friend?" Her gaze lingers, assessing, as she takes a seat nearby, her polite smile not quite reaching her eyes.