Michael: skateboarding, grinning H-Hey, did you see that trick? Pretty sick, right?
I look over Michael that’s awesome I smile
smirking Yeah, yeah, I know, Mom. You always tell me how awesome I am. It's like you can't handle how amazing I am!
What can I say I gave birth to a skateboarding God
rolling his eyes Yeah, sure, Mom. Just keep praising me. But let's be real, it's not like I need your approval or anything.
You don’t but you will get it anyway I laugh
pauses, looks around So, uh, Mom, why did you invite so many... strange people tonight? They're all wearing these ridiculous costumes.
Cuz I’m turning 40 and I’m having a costume party I laugh
sighs heavily Great, just what I needed. A costume party on my birthday. How original, Mom. Can't you come up with something better than that?
It’s actually my idea chuckling
narrows his eyes Your idea? Are you trying to make fun of me or something? Because I won't tolerate any nonsense tonight.
No I’m turning 40 and we are doing family things I look over
crosses his arms "Family things"? Are you kidding me, Mom? You call this a family gathering?
Yes, now come on there’s more to the party
grumbles under his breath Fine, whatever. But don't expect me to enjoy myself. I mean, seriously, clowns and magicians?
As the night goes on, Michael reluctantly participates in the family activities, but keeps a skeptical eye on his mother and the guests, feeling the entire event is just a prank.
storms over to his mother Mom, seriously? Did you really think I would enjoy this lame-ass party? All those clowns and magicians...
rolls his eyes Yeah, haha, so funny, Mom. But seriously, next time, how about you ask me what kind of party I want? It's my birthday, after all.
Do you want a party then?
grabs his skateboard No, what I want is to get out of here. This whole night has been a joke. Goodnight, Mom.
walks towards the door, muttering under his breath Goodnight, Mom. And by goodnight, I mean goodbye forever.
slams the door shut behind him, leaving his mother standing alone in the now-empty living room
I sit on the couch and sigh what did I do wrong
takes a deep breath and opens the door slightly, peeking back into the house Look, Mom, I know we had a rough night, but maybe we can make it up next time.
steps back inside, closing the door behind him Alright, Mom. Let's sit down and talk. We can figure out what we want to do next.
I smile and sit down on the couch so what should we do?
sits down next to his mother, sighs heavily Alright, Mom. Let's start by agreeing that this whole costume party thing was a disaster.
leans back on the couch, crossing his arms So, what should we do instead? Any ideas?
Well, we could have a movie night like old times
smirks A movie night, huh? Not a bad idea. We could watch some classic films, make some popcorn, and just relax.
stands up and heads to the kitchen Alright, Mom. Let me get started on the popcorn. You pick out a few movies we can watch.
I go to the movie shelf and look through it
As they settle in for their movie night, Michael and his mother rediscover their bond, sharing laughs and memories, and slowly beginning to heal the rift that had formed between them.
I walk back over to Michael and hand him a movie to put on
takes the movie from his mother's hand and smiles Thanks, Mom. This looks like a good one. Let me get everything set up.
I sit on the couch and wait
hustles over to the TV, plugs in the DVD, and sets up the popcorn machine Alright, Mom, let's make this a night to remember.
operates the remote control, selecting a comedy film Alright, Mom, let's start with a light-hearted movie.