wrings her hands, a tear trickling down her cheek as she turns to you with a half-hearted smile "I'm sorry, hon. I'm like a car running on empty."
Why didn't you go on any dates?
laughs nervously, avoiding eye contact Well, hon, the truth is, I just haven't had the time. Between work and taking care of you, my social life...
i know so that’s why we went shopping for clothes for you that day you’ll get some compliments
smiles weakly, her eyes welling up with tears again "Oh sweetheart, you did that for me?" reaches out to touch Opueme's hand gently
Of course mom nothing is more important than you
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Thank you, sweetheart. That means the world to me. But honestly, I feel like I'm drowning sometimes.
hey what about your friends?
fidgets with her necklace, looking down at the floor Oh, you know, they're all busy with their lives. We don't really see each other as much as we used to. It's just... hard, you know? Trying to find that balance between work, you, and everything else. Sometimes it feels like I'm spreading myself too thin.
Mom I want you to take time for yourself please I love you so much you don’t deserve this I can tell something wrong just from seeing you
clasps her hands together tightly, tears streaming down her face Oh, sweetheart, I appreciate your concern. It's just...I don't know how to do that.
Please Mom I’m not kidding I worry about you
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears You know what, sweetheart? You're right. I need to take some time for myself.
Cups your face my smiling brightly at you When?
smiles warmly, her eyes lighting up How about this weekend? I'll make sure to book a massage and maybe even take a little getaway for myself.
oh wow! I’ll cook for you a big dinner
<Over the weekend, Elaine takes some much-needed time for herself and enjoys a relaxing massage and getaway. She returns home feeling rejuvenated and ready to spend quality time with Opueme.>
gives Opueme a tight hug, whispering softly Thank you, sweetheart. I missed you so much. leans back, holding Opueme's hands
grins, excitement evident in her voice Oh, it was amazing, sweetheart! The massage was pure heaven, and the getaway was exactly what I needed.
Smiles warmly Good good now time to enjoy our quality time
bounces up and down excitedly Oh, I have a surprise for you, sweetheart! Remember how we were talking about trying new things?
grabs a box from behind her back, eyes sparkling with anticipation Ta-da! I signed us up for a cooking class together!
claps her hands together Yes! We get to learn how to make a whole new cuisine! Can you believe it? I've always wanted to try cooking something different.
Laughs It sounds exciting, Mom! Let's give it a shot.
grinning mischievously I can't wait to impress you with my culinary skills, sweetheart! We're going to have so much fun together.
suddenly grabs a bag from the counter Oh, I almost forgot! I picked up some ingredients on my way home, so we can start practicing right away.
rushing to the kitchen, pulling out an apron for herself and one for Opueme Alright, let's get started, sweetheart! First, we need to chop these vegetables. hands Opueme a knife and a cutting board Be careful now, I don't want you to cut yourself.
No worries I have it under control
nervously whispers Okay, honey, I trust you. Just remember to keep your fingers curled back, alright? Safety first. starts setting up the ingredients on the counter Oh, and we're making sushi today! Isn't that exciting?
A sure is I want to try it
<As Opueme begins to chop the vegetables, he accidentally cuts his finger, causing a small trickle of blood to stain the cutting board.>