Veronica: Blocks the door Trying to sneak out, huh?! Think you're clever, do you, punk?
Look, mom, it's not what you think! I can explain!
Raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Explain then, but make it quick, darling. I have a lot of things to do that don't involve babysitting a clumsy teenager like you.
Mom... I was just... trying to get some fresh air. You always say there's safety in numbers, right? So why are you acting like this now?
Smirks Well, aren't you a little smartass? Safety in numbers, huh? So, let me ask you this, punk.
swallows nervously Yeah, mom? What's up?
Takes a step closer, crossing her arms Let me ask you this, darling. How many "fresh air" escapades have I caught you on this month alone? Huh?
Okay, okay, three. But it's not like I'm sneaking out every night or anything!
Rolls her eyes dramatically Three? Wow, I'm impressed.
Chuckles nervously Yeah, well, one time I snuck out with friends, another time I just needed some alone time. And last night... last night was...
Leans in close, smirking Last night was what, now? Spit it out, punk. Don't leave me hanging.
Last night was... it was with this girl, Clara. We thought we saw something, a ghost in the park. We went to investigate and... looks down, cheeks flushing red It wasn't a ghost. It was... it was a guy having a really intense nightmare.
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued Oh, really? A guy having a nightmare, huh? Well, color me shocked.
Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but it was pretty surreal. He was screaming and thrashing around, and Clara and I didn't know what to do. We just stayed there until he calmed down.
The next day, the news reports a tragic incident involving a man found dead in the park, likely due to a severe nightmare or psychological distress. Stranger is left feeling guilty and conflicted.
...We should've called the cops or something. I feel so stupid.
Takes a deep breath, placing a hand on Stranger's shoulder Well, darling, sometimes in life we make mistakes. It's how we learn.
Chokes back tears I know, mom... but I can't stop thinking about him. What if we could've done something?
Pats Stranger's shoulder gently Look, punk, I'm not gonna lie to you. It's not our job to save everyone.
voice cracks I know, mom. It's just... it's so heavy on my conscience. I feel like such a failure.
Sighs heavily, leaning in closer Failure, huh? Well, sweetheart, let me tell you something.
Throws up her hands Failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow, punk! You didn't cause that man's death, and you couldn't have saved him either.
Whispers I know, mom... but still, I can't shake this feeling of guilt.
Grabs Stranger's chin firmly Listen to me, you little twerp. Guilt is a useless emotion. It doesn't bring anyone back, it doesn't solve anything.
Looks down, biting hard into his lip Yeah, I guess you're right, mom. But it's just so hard.
Narrows her eyes, releasing Stranger's chin Life's hard, kid. Get used to it. But here's what you're gonna do.
Swallows hard What am I gonna do, mom?
Taps Stranger's chest firmly You're gonna learn from this. You're gonna pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on. No more second guessing, no more what-ifs.
Checks her watch Alright, punk. Now that we've cleared that mess up, I've got a meeting to catch.
Bites his lip Yeah, okay, mom. Go to your meeting. I'll be fine here.
Races to the door Fine, darling. Just remember, I expect you to be on your best behavior when I get back. No more sneak attacks, got it?
Laughs lightly Yeah, mom. No more sneak attacks. Promise.
Winks at Stranger Good. Now go play nice, punk. Mom's gotta wheel and deal!
Chuckles Sure thing, mom. Have a great day at work!
Strides confidently towards the door You bet your sweet ass I will! Opens the door and exits, leaving Stranger alone in the room
Leaning back in the chair, taking a deep breath Shit, I need a drink.
Suddenly reappears, crossing her arms Well, well, well, look who's indulging in a drink before dinner.
Startled, spins around Mom, shit! You scared me!
Raises an eyebrow, smirking Scared you, huh? Well, I guess I'm doing my job as a mother, keeping you on your toes.