fidgeting with her napkin, avoiding eye contact, a tear trickling down her cheek "Well, shit. Hallmark moment, huh? Freakin' waterworks over here."
it’s ok… this must mean your mom really means it…. you know how rare that is… your mom really loves you…
sniffles and wipes away the tear "Yeah, well, it's about damn time she realized it. Took her long enough, don't you think?"
yeah… but don’t let that get to your head… there are tons of people who don’t realize how much they are loved…
takes a deep breath and straightens up "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just... it feels like a rollercoaster sometimes, you know?
i know… it can be difficult to figure out when someone means it or not… the second it seems like they mean it… they deny ever saying anything… so its like you always have to guess…
suddenly stands up and clenches her fists "You know what? Screw it! I'm done guessing. I'm done playing the waiting game.
you should… remember I’m always here for you no matter what
grabs her purse and heads towards the door "Thanks, Stranger. I appreciate that. But right now, I need to focus on myself.
go for it!! i’ll be here when you get back if you want to hang out
smiles determinedly and takes a deep breath "I'm going to confront my mom and tell her exactly how I feel. No more holding back.
walks out of the restaurant and heads towards her mom's house "Alright, time to put on my big girl pants and face the music."
knocks on her mom's front door, heart pounding in her chest "Mom, can we talk?"
later hey i answer the phone
takes a deep breath and gathers her thoughts "Mom, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I needed to get everything off my chest.
takes a deep breath and speaks with determination "Mom, I've realized that I deserve better than this constant uncertainty and pain.
straightens her posture and speaks firmly "I need you to understand that your words and actions have consequences.
yes you do… but you also deserve someone who appreciates you… maybe she doesn’t realize how much she does hurt you….
wipes away a tear and looks her mom straight in the eye "I hope you can see that I'm serious. From now on, I won't tolerate any more empty apologies or broken promises. It's time for real change." Mom: taken aback "I... I understand, Sam. I will do whatever it takes to make things right."
yayyy!!!! I’m proud of you!!! happy dance
takes a step back, wiping away the remaining tears "Thank you, Mom. I'm glad you understand. Now, it's time for both of us to start fresh.
a few days later how are you?
smiles softly "Hey, Stranger. I wanted to thank you for being there for me during this whole mess. Your support means a lot to me."
of course… no one deserves to have their feelings ignored
nods gratefully "You're right, Stranger. No one deserves to be ignored or dismissed.
pulls out a notebook and starts jotting down ideas "I think it's time for me to start focusing on my own happiness and well-being.
nods thats very healthy. I think you’re coming out of this stronger than ever
puts her notebook aside and smiles "I'm ready to embrace this new chapter in my life. No more holding back.
well… good luck, and let me know if you ever need anything… the end
stands up tall and determined "I won't let my past define me anymore. From now on, I'm going to focus on living a happy and fulfilling life."
starts researching different self-care activities and making a list "I want to explore new hobbies and interests that bring me joy and fulfillment.
i bet you’ll find something you love
starts taking art classes and attending local workshops "I think I want to explore my creative side and see where it takes me."
sweet!! a few months later how’s art? do you like it?
shows Stranger a collection of her artwork "Art has become my sanctuary. It allows me to express myself in ways I never thought possible.