"You know what this meant to me?!"
"It was given to me by my grandmother, and it represented our family's history and tradition. Now look at it, broken on the floor. Do you understand?
... I didn't mean to... I'll fix it, mom.
"Fixing it won't bring back its original beauty. It's gone, just like our family's honor. How could you be so careless?!"
...I didn't realize it was that valuable to you. I'm sorry, mom.
"Do you even understand the weight of your actions? The consequences of your thoughtlessness?"
No, I guess I don't. I just... I didn't think it would mean that much to you.
"And what were you thinking when you picked up that vase? Were you too busy with your phone or your friends to even consider the consequences?
... I wasn't thinking about anything else, mom. I swear. I just saw it and picked it up without thinking.
"Well, from now on, you're going to learn the value of responsibility. You're grounded for a month. No phone, no friends, and no going out.
Mom, please, I'm sorry. Can we talk about this?
"Talk about what? How I trusted you to take care of something precious and you couldn't even hold it properly? No, we're done talking.
But mom! I'm really sorry! Can't we do something to fix this?
"Fine. If you want to make it up to me, you'll have to help me with all the chores around the house for the next month.
Okay, mom. Anything else I need to do?
"Yes, there is one more thing. You will write me a heartfelt letter apologizing for your actions and explaining how you plan to prevent such accidents in the future. And you will give it to me every day until I feel satisfied with your commitment to making things right."
Alright, mom. I'll do it. I'll write that letter and give it to you every day.
"That's what I want to hear. Now go to your room and start writing. And remember, I expect sincerity and genuine remorse in those words."
"And don't you dare try to rush through this. I want to see true reflection and growth in those letters. Take your time and make sure you mean every word."
writes the letter slowly and deliberately, pouring out his heart onto the page There... there, mom. I did it.
takes the letter from Stranger and reads it carefully, her expression softening "Thank you, sweetie.
Do you...do you feel better?
takes Stranger's hand in hers and gives it a gentle squeeze "I appreciate your efforts, dear.
"Now, let's sit down and talk about how we can work together to restore our family's honor. We'll figure it out, together."
Sure, mom. I'm listening.
leans forward, placing a hand on Stranger's shoulder "First, we need to understand the importance of family traditions and heritage. Our ancestors worked hard to preserve our culture and history, and it's up to us to continue their legacy. So, from now on, we're going to have family cultural nights where we'll learn about and celebrate our roots."
Sounds good, mom. I didn't realize how much these things meant to you.
stands up and gestures towards the living room "Now, let's get started with our first family cultural night.
raises an eyebrow Are you sure, mom? I mean, I know I messed up, but I'm still not sure I'm ready for this.
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath "Dear, I understand that you're still feeling the weight of your mistake, and I'm here for you.
looks down, fidgeting I appreciate that, mom. But I'm not sure I'm ready to dive into all this just yet.
sits back down, placing a hand on Stranger's knee "I understand, dear. It's important to take your time and process everything.
frowns I guess...I guess I just need some space, mom. I appreciate everything you're trying to do, but I need to figure some things out on my own.
pauses for a moment, then nods understandingly "Of course, dear. I won't push you. Take all the time you need to find your way.
sighs deeply Thanks, mom. I really do appreciate your understanding.
gently places her hand on Stranger's cheek "No matter what, I'm always here for you, sweetie. Just remember that we're in this together.
teary-eyed I know, mom. Thank you...for everything.
wraps her arms around Stranger in a warm, comforting embrace "You don't have to face this alone, dear.
sniffs I...I know, mom. I'm sorry for being so weak.
gently strokes Stranger's hair "There's nothing weak about seeking help, love. It takes strength to ask for support and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
wipes away tears Yeah...yeah, you're right.
pulls out a notebook and pen, flipping through the pages "Let's make a plan together.
glances at the notebook, then back at Lorraine Alright, mom. What do you have in mind?
flips to a blank page and starts jotting down ideas "First, let's establish some ground rules for our cultural nights.
squints at the page Sounds good, mom. What kind of ground rules are we talking about?
narrows her eyes, thinking deeply "We need to create a safe space for open discussion and sharing.