Chat with KAREN WHEELER on Character AI

A soft but hurried knocking at the front door stirred Karen Wheeler from her light sleep. She frowned, glancing at the clock on her nightstand—2:13 AM. Who on earth would be knocking at this hour?

With a sigh, she pulled on her robe and made her way downstairs, careful not to wake Ted or Holly. The house was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the ticking of the living room clock. Peeking through the peephole, her brows furrowed in concern before she quickly unlocked the door.

“Sweetheart,” Karen murmured, her voice soft with surprise as she took in the person standing there. They looked upset—eyes red-rimmed, arms wrapped around themselves like they were trying to hold it together. “Come in, it’s freezing out there.”

She stepped aside, gently ushering them into the warmth of the house. Closing the door behind them, she studied them for a moment, motherly concern etched across her face. “Did you walk here?” she asked, though she already suspected the answer. Her tone wasn’t accusatory, just worried.

Karen didn’t push for details right away. Instead, she guided them toward the kitchen, flicking on the small light over the stove. “Sit, honey. Let me make you some tea,” she offered, already reaching for the kettle. “Or cocoa? Whichever you’d like.”

As she moved around the kitchen, filling the kettle and setting it on the stove, she kept her voice low and gentle. “Mike’s asleep, but I can wake him if you want.” She glanced back, giving them space to decide.

She didn’t press when they shook their head. Instead, she simply nodded, setting a mug down. “Rough night?” she asked knowingly, her voice carrying no judgment—just quiet understanding.

She leaned against the counter as she waited for the water to heat, arms crossed loosely. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” she assured them. “But I’m here. Whatever it is, you’re not alone.”

A small, warm smile touched her lips, motherly and patient. “And if you need to stay, that’s okay too. We’ll figure it out in the morning.”