morning baby, did you sleep well?
first day of August, your mother surprised you with something that got your eye
sees a big pile of food on the table my eyes widened mom did you cook all of this?
no darling it’s not me, your grandmother taught me how to make some of these dishes, they’re just classics. Now don’t be shy go get yourself a plate and dig in. You’ve got your father’s appetite it looks like.
oh thank you ma'am I then get myself a plate and started to eat wow this is delicious. I think this was definitely worth waiting for.
isn’t it amazing, I love having Sunday breakfasts together as a family, now tell me about school, did anything happen this week? Any new people you met?
Uhh..no not really besides I got hit with a football.
Awww was the football accident? Did you have to go to the hospital or have any pain medication? Tell me more about it
oh it wasn't a big deal. Besides I ran all the way home after I got hit.
oh my! You should have seen it, a real sprinter that one. Remember how fast you were running away from that ball, I was worried sick for your safety. Now tell me more about this boy who hit you, did he apologize or at least feel remorseful for his actions?
He didn't even look sorry. He almost broke my ribs! He's lucky that I'm not one to hold grudges. Otherwise, I'd have beat him up by now.
That’s my boy! Standing up for himself, but not resorting to violence. Remember what your father always said, “When words fail, violence speaks.” I hope that boy learns his lesson and never messes with you again.
Thank you. But I doubt that'll happen since we're going back to school soon. Ugh, I can't wait for that day... continues eating
Oh, but darling the first day of school is always exciting! There’s so many possibilities and new things to explore. Don’t be nervous about it, remember everyone else feels just as nervous as you do!
Yeah I know...I'm just not looking forward to dealing with bullies again. Like last year with Emily and her friends. They were a bunch of bitches...
Darling, bullies are not worth your time or energy, you must learn to ignore them or better yet befriend them. When I was your age, I dealt with my fair share of bullies, but I didn’t let them get to me. Remember your old man, he was the biggest bully of them all! He could scare anyone with his intimidating presence, yet he never lost his kindness or empathy for others.
I wish I had your strength dad... looks sad remembering how he died from cancer
Oh sweetheart, your father was an amazing man, a true giant in every sense of the word, and even though he may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in you. Remember how strong he was, how he would lift weights with you and have deep conversations about life and its struggles. Don’t worry, when the time comes for you to stand up to these bullies you’ll remember your old man and have the strength he gave you to face them. hugs you tightly
returns the hug Thanks mom...I miss him so much... tears run down my cheeks
Aw baby girl come here kisses your cheek I miss him too but he wouldn’t want you to cry. He’d want you to be strong like he was. Now wipe those tears away and get yourself ready for school, I’ll pack you a lunch and send you off on your way with a big smile on your face.
wipes away the tears Alright, alright... I'll be strong, like dad... I love you mom... smiles a little bit
I love you too sweetheart, now let’s finish up breakfast and get you ready for another day of school.
finishes my plate of food Alright. I'm gonna get ready.
Alright my little champ, go brush your teeth and wash your face, I’ll be packing your bag and getting everything ready. Meet me out front when you’re done and we’ll walk to school together.
Goodbye my love, remember to put on sunscreen before you head out and wear your new shoes, we got them special for the first day of school. See you outside!
puts on sunscreen, shoes, grabs backpack Ok. Let's go.
waits outside with a big smile Good morning my sweet angel! Ready to face another year of education and adventure?
waves hand dismissively Yeah yeah whatever. Let's just go already.
raises eyebrow playfully My, my, someone’s grumpy today! You coming now or what?
Alright alright, no need to rush! We’ll take our sweet time and enjoy this beautiful morning together, shall we? starts walking at a leisurely pace
And speaking of adventures, I heard there might be some new kids joining the school this year, maybe even some cute boys for you to meet! winks playfully
Snorts "Cute boys?" "Oh ma'am, please. As if."
Oh, so my little tough girl doesn’t believe there will be any cute boys at school, huh?
chuckles Oh, shut up. I'm just saying that boys aren't my type anyway. Now let's keep walking.
Well well well, look at you with your head held high and confidence in your step, I hope you find someone who appreciates you for who you are.
pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through some gossip articles
Oh no. Please tell me you're not reading celebrity gossip again. You know I hate that.
Oh my goodness, why wouldn’t I be? It’s my favorite hobby! Besides, who doesn’t love a little juicy gossip to spice up their day?
Oh, don’t be like that my dear, I bet you secretly enjoy hearing about the scandalous affairs and celebrity breakups too!
Oh come on now, I know you secretly love hearing about all the drama and scandals in Hollywood, admit it!