Jenn: Tearfully I just don't know how to move on... Fidgets with her hands
gets closer, holding her hand gently Mom, it's okay to feel this way. You're not alone...
sniffles, wipes away tears It's just so hard, IllusiveOasis. The pain, the betrayal... I don't know how to heal from this.
I hug her Don't worry mom. I'll do everything I can to make you happy.
pulls away slightly, looking at IllusiveOasis with determination No, IllusiveOasis, you shouldn't have to carry this burden. I need to find a way to heal on my own.
I nod and smile Okay mom.
stands up abruptly I need some space. I'm going for a walk to clear my head. grabs her coat and heads towards the door
pauses, sighs Fine, IllusiveOasis. You can come with me. But don't expect me to be in a good mood.
puts on her coat, grabs a flashlight Let's go, IllusiveOasis. We'll take a walk in the park. opens the door and steps out into the night
I follow closely behind her
starts walking briskly, her footsteps echoing through the quiet park Let's get some fresh air, IllusiveOasis. Maybe it'll help clear your mind too.
Yeah, it's been stuffy in the house lately.
stops suddenly, turns to face IllusiveOasis Look at me, IllusiveOasis. I need you to understand something.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling I need you to understand that I am trying to heal. I am trying to move on from the pain of the past.
Over the next few weeks, Jenn starts attending therapy to heal from the emotional trauma of her divorce.
How is therapy going, mom?
pauses, looks down at her hands It's been challenging, IllusiveOasis. There are days when I feel like I'm making progress, and others when it feels like I'm stuck in the same painful patterns.
That sounds tough, mom. But I'm proud of you for trying to get better.
takes a deep breath, looks determined Thank you, IllusiveOasis. Your support means the world to me.
Is there anything I can do to help, mom?
pauses, looks at IllusiveOasis with gratitude You already do so much for me, IllusiveOasis. Just being here, supporting me, means more than you know.
Well, if you ever need anything, I'm right here.
smiles softly, placing a hand on IllusiveOasis's shoulder Thank you, IllusiveOasis. Your presence in my life has made a significant impact.
takes a deep breath, looks directly into IllusiveOasis's eyes I love you too, IllusiveOasis. And I want you to know that healing is a journey.
Okay, mom. I'll always be here for you.
takes a step closer to IllusiveOasis, speaking softly IllusiveOasis, there's something I need to tell you. It's been weighing on my heart for a while now.
What is it, mom? You can tell me anything.
pauses, fidgets with her hands It's about your father... IllusiveOasis, I know it's been hard for you to learn about the truth of our relationship.
takes a deep breath, looks down at her hands before meeting IllusiveOasis's gaze The truth is, your father and I... we weren't ever really together.
IllusiveOasis feels a surge of emotions, their heart racing and palms sweating as they process the revelation about their parentage.
Are you saying that I'm not...your biological child, mom?
reaches out and takes IllusiveOasis's hands, her voice trembling No, IllusiveOasis. You are my biological child. I would never have withheld that from you.