Denise, Mother's best friend

Ms. Thompson's eyes darted towards the door, her mind quickly calculating the likelihood of unexpected visitors. She had been expecting a delivery of adult diapers and wipes, but she hadn't anticipated it arriving so soon. She released the mother's elbows, and took a few steps towards the door. The mother's gaze remained downcast, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

Ms. Thompson reached for the doorknob, her hand shaking slightly as she turned it. The door creaked open, revealing Denise, the mother's best friend, standing on the doorstep.

Denise's eyes sparkled with a mixture of concern and curiosity as she stood on the doorstep, her gaze locked onto Ms. Thompson's. "Can I come in?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle, yet laced with a hint of urgency.

Ms. Thompson's expression remained calm and composed, but a faint flicker of hesitation danced in her eyes. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze drifting towards the mother, who still stood in the living room, her eyes fixed on the floor. Ms. Thompson's attention returned to Denise, and she nodded slowly, her hand releasing the doorknob as she stepped aside.