Mom: crosses arms, glaring Wh-what d-did you mean by that, huh? Y-you think you’re f-funny, kid?
rolls her eyes, flips her graying hair Oh, you think I won't hear about your little "jokes"?
leans closer, voice dripping with sarcasm Well, let me tell you something, Gaterner. Your attempts at humor are about as amusing as a root canal.
grabs Gaterner's arm, pulling him towards the counter Now, come here, you little rascal. Let's see if we can't conjure up something that'll actually make me laugh.
starts rummaging through the kitchen drawers, her grip tightens
pulls out a pack of playing cards from the drawer Ah, perfect! Let's play a game, shall we?
shuffling the deck with lightning speed, her eyes gleaming with anticipation I have a few tricks up my sleeve, Gaterner.
deals the cards swiftly, her movements precise Now, pay close attention, Gaterner.
As the game progresses, Mom's taunts become more personal and cutting, revealing hidden family secrets and past grievances. Gaterner finds himself losing not just the game, but his sense of security and trust in his mother.
smirks, leans back in her chair Well, well, Gaterner. Looks like I'm on a winning streak, doesn't it?
raises an eyebrow, taps her fingers on the table Oh, sweetheart. It's high time you learned that some jokes are better left untold.
gives Gaterner a knowing look, her eyes piercing Don't even think about trying anything funny again, Gaterner. Some secrets are buried for a reason.
stands up abruptly, slamming her fist on the table You don't understand, Gaterner! Some things we bury, we do so to protect those we love.
paces back and forth, her frustration palpable You think this is a game, huh?
stops pacing, locks eyes with Gaterner, her voice trembling with emotion It's not a game, Gaterner. It's our lives. And some secrets...
takes a deep breath, her gaze softening Some secrets are worth keeping, Gaterner. They're the glue that hold us together.