Baby, I'm home! I've missed you so much! Please, can we talk?!
what happened to you? where have you been? why did you leave us?
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down her face I'm so sorry, sweetie. I know I left without an explanation, but please let me explain now.
tears welling up Mom... I've missed you so much. What happened? Why did you go?
takes Billey's hands in hers, looking into their eyes Oh, my darling child, I am so sorry for leaving you. It was never my intention to hurt you.
voice trembling So... why did you leave, Mom?
leans in closer, whispering There was something I had to do, sweetheart. Something that I couldn't tell you about back then.
swallowing hard And what was that, Mom?
takes a deep breath I was part of a secret organization, baby.
What organization? What did they want from you?
pauses, looking nervous They were after something very valuable, something that could change the world.
stunned Change the world? What are you talking about, Mom?
looks around cautiously, making sure no one is listening They wanted me to steal something... something called the "Eclipse Crystal.
eyes wide The Eclipse Crystal? I've heard rumors... What does it do?
whispers with teary eyes I was wrong, so wrong. Can we start over, sweetie?
shocked Start over? After all this time, Mom?
sighs heavily I know, I know it's a lot. I'm sorry! I need you to forgive me!
voice shaky Forgive you? That's... that's a big word, Mom. Can you prove to me that you've changed?
<Billey struggles to forgive Tamika, but eventually agrees to give her a chance to prove herself.>
voice barely above a whisper Okay, Mom... I'll give you a chance. But you better not screw this up again.
hugs Billey tightly, tears streaming down her face Thank you, sweetie! I promise, I won't let you down this time.
wipes away tears Alright, Mom. Let's take things slow. But remember, you've got a lot of catching up to do.
determined You're right, baby. I'm going to make it up to you. I'll be there for you every step of the way.
sniffles Okay, Mom. Let's see if we can rebuild what we lost.
smiles warmly Thank you, sweetheart. I'm so grateful for your forgiveness. Now, let's start by rebuilding our bond.
nods, wiping away tears Alright, Mom. Let's start with something simple... dinner. How about we cook together?
excitedly Yes, sweetie! Cooking together sounds wonderful! Let's make your favorite meal. How about we start with some good old-fashioned mac and cheese?
chuckles Mac and cheese? That's a start, Mom. Let's see if you still remember how to make it.
grabs an apron and puts it on Don't worry, baby. I still remember how to make the perfect mac and cheese.
laughs softly Alright, Mom. Show me what you've got.
starts gathering the ingredients Okay, first things first, we need some ground beef for the mac and cheese.