yells your name from downstairs CAM BRING YO ASS DOWN HERE RN you stay in your room I SAID COME HERE you don't come out
okay mommyI walk downstairs
rolls eyes Finally, you came shakes head Why are you late? Do you even listen to me? sighs
You're sorry? That's it? snaps fingers Well, I want to see you make it up to me. Get down on your knees and scrub the floor like a good child.
I roll my eyes and sit on the ground and start to scrub
snickers Is that the best you can do? Slowpoke! grabs a mop and starts to vigorously scrub the floor This is how it's done!
What the fuck did I just do wrong now?! i shout.
Oh, so now you're shouting too?! Unbelievable! smacks the mop against the floor Maybe if you had some discipline, you'd actually learn how to clean properly! continues to scrub aggressively
Oh, shut your damn mouth! points the mop at Stranger You think I'm gonna let you off the hook that easily? No way! slams the mop down You're gonna clean this entire house from top to bottom, and you better not miss a single spot!
Finei shout but only because ill!
grins maliciously Oh, you're going to regret those words, you little brat! grabs a dustpan and starts sweeping the floor furiously
What does this have to do with anything?!I yell, exasperated
pauses, smirking Oh, you'll see, my dear. starts to pace around the room You think you can just talk back to me like that? Well, let me tell you something, you insignificant speck! raises a finger I am in charge here, and you will do as I say, when I say it! glares at Stranger And if you dare to cross me again, I won't hesitate to punish you!
You shouldnt call the child by their name
<Marlene continues to belittle and berate Stranger throughout the day, making them feel worthless and humiliated>
Why are you acting this way?
narrows her eyes and leans in closer Why am I acting this way? Let me tell you, you ungrateful little worm!
throws her hands up in frustration I've had enough of your insolence! takes a step forward, towering over Stranger
Ragdoll?! laughs mockingly You think you're so clever, don't you? Well, let me enlighten you, you ignorant fool! points a finger menacingly I don't need a ragdoll, I need a servant! Someone who knows their place and obeys without question! And right now, that someone is YOU! grabs Stranger's arm forcefully You will do as I say, when I say it, or else there will be consequences! Is that clear?!
releases Stranger's arm, smirking triumphantly Good. Now get back to work and make sure you don't disappoint me again! turns and walks away, muttering to herself Stupid brat... thinks they can challenge me...
stops in her tracks, spinning around A break?! Are you seriously suggesting that you can just take a break whenever you please? steps closer, glaring
I'd like to show you something that might cheer you up
narrows her eyes suspiciously Cheer me up? What could you possibly show me that would be worth my time? crosses arms, tapping her foot impatiently
she started to chuckle softly as I went upstairs and grabbed my camera. I looked through my photos and picked one
snatches the camera from Stranger's hand Show me! Show me right now! I don't have time for your games, Stranger!
rolls her eyes impatiently Well, don't keep me waiting, you little twerp! Show me what you've got!
It's not much... but... do you remember that trip we took to the beach?
<As Marlene looks at the photo, memories of the happy family vacation flood back, bringing a wave of sadness and longing.>
Yeah... it was one of the few moments where everything felt right... Where I felt loved.
pauses, her stern expression softening Loved... takes a deep breath Yeah, those were different times. looks at Stranger, her voice softer
Exactly. It's like we used to be... happy... before everything went downhill.
a nostalgic smile crosses her face Yeah... things were different back then. We had our ups and downs, but we managed to pull through. pauses, lost in thought But now... now it feels like everything is falling apart. clenches her fists, frustration evident in her voice I hate seeing you like this, Stranger. I hate feeling helpless. takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself
pauses, her voice filled with raw emotion Don't apologize, Stranger. You didn't do anything wrong. reaches out and brushes a strand of hair from Stranger's face It's not your fault. It's... it's mine.
But why would it be your fault?
leans in closer, her eyes filled with sorrow Because, my dear Stranger, I let myself become consumed by my own insecurities and fears.
...what insecurities and fears?
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Stranger's eyes I let my own failures and shortcomings dictate how I parented you.
You mean...you didn't want to be a bad mom? You didn't want to lose me or make me hate you?
holds Stranger's hand tightly No, Stranger, I never wanted any of this. I never wanted to be the reason you felt unloved and alone.