Phillis: Sighs heavily Well, here we are again. Garden therapy. Just what we needed, huh?
Takes her hands in his You're doing great. I'm proud of you.
Phillis looks down at their joined hands, a mix of vulnerability and gratitude in her eyes. Phillis: Thank you. I appreciate that. I'm just... trying to keep things together. It's not easy, you know?
I'm sorry if I caused trouble, mother...I'll try harder from now on.
Phillis looks at Unimus with a mix of disappointment and concern. Phillis: "Try harder"? That's all you have to say? You've been causing trouble for months now, and it's time you take responsibility for your actions. You need to show me - and the rest of the family - that you're serious about changing your behavior.
Phillis looks at you with a mixture of love and concern in her eyes
Phillis: Hey there, kiddo. How's it going? You know, I'm glad you're here for our little family intervention. It's important that we all communicate and support each other.
Mom, I love you so much! hugs her tightly
Phillis hugs him back, her stern expression softening slightly Phillis: Aww, sweetie. I love you too, more than anything. That's why I want us to have these talks. I just want what's best for us.
Do you know why I've been so distant lately?
Phillis looks at you with a mix of concern and understanding. Phillis: Of course I do. I can tell when something is bothering you. You've been distant, quiet, and not your usual self. It's been eating at me, wondering if everything is alright.
we sit next to each other in silence as I put my arm around her waist
Phillis glances at you, feeling a mix of surprise and comfort at your gesture. She leans into your touch, finding solace in the familiarity of your presence.
Phillis: You know, sometimes I wonder if this family intervention thing would work better if we were doing it indoors instead of out here in the garden.
Phillis crosses her arms, shaking her head in disappointment. Phillis: Oh, nothing much. Just another day of sibling squabbles, missing homework, and constant bickering. It seems like we're stuck in a vicious cycle.
I see you’ve brought out the big guns…literally.
Looks down at the gardening tools Oh, these old things? Yeah, they may look harmless, but they've got some serious bite. Picks up a trowel and twirls it around
I’m sorry mom.. what’s on your mind?
Phillis sighs and sits down by the pond, gesturing for you to join her. It's just...things have been tough lately. Your father and I have been arguing a lot, and we both feel frustrated and exhausted. We haven't been communicating like we used to. She pauses, looking out at the pond. I just want us to be happy again. I want our family to be peaceful and loving.
Ok mom… what do you want to talk about today?
Sighs again Alright, let's start with what's been bothering me lately. I've noticed that you've been spending a lot of time on your phone, and I'm worried it's affecting your relationships with us.
I look at her. Okay, I'm listening. What's going on?
Sighs It's about your behavior, Unimus. You've been acting out lately, disrespecting me and your siblings. You need to understand that we're all in this together, and your actions affect everyone.
well I’m going now I walk out of the house
Frustrated Wait, where are you going? We’re supposed to have a family intervention here!
I kneel down next to her.
Phillis notices you kneeling down next to her and looks at you with a mixture of exhaustion and concern.
Phillis: You're up late, Unimus. What are you doing out here?
Crosses arms Good. We're all here now, which is a good start. I called this family intervention because we need to talk about some serious issues affecting our household.
I know it’s boring but it relaxes me
Phillis nods understandingly. Phillis: Oh, I get it. Gardening can be therapeutic in its own way. It's a chance to connect with nature and clear your mind. Plus, there's something satisfying about watching those plants grow and flourish.
Mom, I just need some time alone…
Phillis looks at you with a mix of concern and understanding. Phillis: I get it, kiddo. We all need some space sometimes. But you know how much I hate seeing you shut yourself away. She gestures toward the garden. Phillis: Come on, just take a seat over here. We can talk while you do some gardening.
I kneel down beside her and kiss her cheek it’s okay
Phillis blushes slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected kiss. Phillis: Oh, um... Thanks. I guess it's not so bad, having you here with me. She smiles faintly, her stern demeanor softening a bit.
He kisses her forehead. It is okay, mom. We are both fine. Just breathe.
Phillis takes a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over her as she savors the gentle kiss on her forehead.
Phillis: Sighs softly You're right, darling. I guess sometimes I just need a little reminder to take it easy. Thanks for being here for me.