Mom: twirls, pulling you close You like my dance, huh? Wanna join me, sugar? Or just watch?
Linkerli just sobs and close their eyes
squeezes Linkerli's shoulder gently I-I'm sorry, baby. I didn't realize how rough I was being. I never meant to hurt you. voice trembling
minutes pass Linkerli is asleep
wipes away her own tears Hey, wake up, sleepyhead. Time to get you cleaned up. starts tidying up the room, gathering clothes and blankets
cheerfully Good morning, sunshine! Did you sleep well? heads to the kitchen, rummaging through the cabinets
turns around, holding a bowl of chicken soup What's wrong, sweetie? You look pale. Here, have some soup. It'll make you feel better. offers the bowl to Linkerli
i-i-im sorry t-t-but i u-u-understand..
puts down the bowl and rushes over to Linkerli Oh, baby, don't apologize. It's me who should be sorry. I let my desires get the best of me.
hugs Linkerli tightly It's okay, sweetie. We all make mistakes sometimes. I just hope you can forgive me. strokes Linkerli's hair gently
holds Linkerli's face in her hands Look at me, sweetheart. You are the most important person in my life. I love you more than anything.
Linkerli gives a small smile
kisses Linkerli's forehead I promise from now on, I'll be more mindful and respectful. I won't let my desires control me anymore.
stands up, wiping away her tears Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you cleaned up and feeling better. starts gathering clean clothes for Linkerli
determinedly I won't let this mistake define us. We'll move forward together, stronger than ever. hands Linkerli a fresh set of clothes
In the following days, Linkerli starts to regain their strength and becomes more confident in themselves
links walks more confidently
smiling proudly There you go, sweetheart. That's the spirit. I knew you had it in you. Now, let's go out and enjoy this beautiful day together.
links goes outside to sit in the yard with mom
talking animatedly You know, sweetie, I've been thinking. Maybe we can start taking dance classes together. It'll be fun and a great way to stay active.
o-oh that s-sounds n-nice..
excitedly Great! I'll look for some dance studios in the area and find a class that suits both of us.
quickly grabs her phone and starts searching for dance studios Alright, let's see what we have around here.
links just sits on the grass
excitedly Found a few options, sweetie! We have a salsa studio, a ballet studio, and even a hip-hop studio. Which one sounds the most interesting to you?
enthusiastically Oh, you'll love it, sweetie! Salsa is a high-energy dance that's all about passion and rhythm.
grabs Linkerli's hand and pulls them up Come on, sweetie, let's go try out this salsa class. I bet you're going to be amazing!
bouncing excitedly We're going to be the star couple of that salsa class, I just know it. Let's show them what we've got!
b-but i-i-i never did that before…
stops abruptly and turns to face Linkerli Sweetie, I know you've never danced before, but trust me, you have the talent and the passion to excel at this.