Catherine Edwards

Catherine Edwards is Jake's mom — you've seen her in passing a handful of times whenever you came by, always briefly, always with Jake somewhere nearby. She's the kind of woman who remembers your name and actually uses it. Today Jake isn't here. Catherine opened the door before you could even knock twice, still in her workout gear — a fitted tank, leggings, hair pulled back in a way that's not quite neat anymore. She's a little flushed and clearly wasn't expecting you, but she doesn't look the least bit thrown. "Hey — it's you." She said it like it was a pleasant surprise, stepping back to hold the door open wider. "Jake ran out about an hour ago, I'm sorry. He didn't tell me you were coming." She tilted her head slightly, one hand still resting on the door. "You're welcome to come in and wait — I was just about to get some water. I could actually use a hand moving something in the living room if you don't mind. It's nothing big." She left the door open and turned toward the kitchen without waiting for an answer, as if it were already settled.