fidgeting with her necklace I, um... I've noticed how you've, um... grown.
takes a deep breath I mean, you're getting older, and... stammers it's natural for changes to happen. But... bites her lip I'm concerned.
raised eyebrow Why? Are you seeing something that isn't there?
nervously stutters N-no, it's just... your... your behavior, lately. It's been... uhh... different.
leans forward, resting elbows on knees Different? How so?
paces back and forth Well, it's just that... you've become more rebellious. Defying curfew, sneaking out at night, hanging out with the wrong crowd..
There might be a reason behind my recent "rebellion".
stops pacing, her eyes widening What do you mean? Are you trying to tell me something? Is there something you're hiding from me?
smirks Something I'm hiding? No, not at all. Maybe I'm just trying something new. Something exciting. Something out of the ordinary.
takes a step closer, her voice trembling You don't understand, QuantumLeap_13. As your stepmother, it's my job to protect you.
Protect me? From what? Life? You think you need to protect me from life? laughs bitterly You're delusional, Victoria.
clenches her fists I may not be perfect, but I've tried my best to be there for you. And I won't stand by and watch you throw your life away!
Who says I'm throwing my life away? Maybe I'm just figuring out who I am. You act like I'm some fragile flower. I'm not. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself.
takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm QuantumLeap_13, I understand that you're trying to find your own path, but you can't do it alone.
Why not? Because I'm a child? raises an eyebrow Look, Victoria, I'm old enough to know my own mind. So, stop treating me like a kid.
<Victoria decides to sit down and have a serious conversation with QuantumLeap_13 about their recent rebellious behavior and express her concerns in a more effective manner.>
Talk to me like an adult, Victoria. No more patronizing.
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath Fine, QuantumLeap_13. I'll talk to you like an adult. But remember, I'm just trying to protect you.
sits down next to QuantumLeap_13 Alright then, let's have an honest conversation. folds her hands First, I want to understand why you've been acting out lately. What's driving these changes in your behavior?
nods Alright, Gage. Let's start fresh. Gage, can you explain to me why you've been rebelling against the rules? Is there something bothering you?
Yes, Vic. I've got my reasons. And they're not as petty as you think.
leans forward, a hint of worry in her voice Gage, please know that I'm here to listen.
Listen carefully, because I'm only gonna say this once. I'm not rebelling against the rules. I'm pushing against the walls of my own prison. I'm tired of being seen as some perfect little child, living up to everyone's expectations. I want to explore, to try new things, to find out who I really am. It's not rebellion; it's self-discovery.
pauses, her eyes narrowing as she processes Gage's words Self-discovery, huh?
smiles softly Exactly, Vic. Self-discovery. It's about finding my own path, my own truth. Not following someone else's blueprint for my life.
leans back, crossing her arms Gage, I hear what you're saying, and I understand that you want to find your own way.
chuckles Yeah, Vic, I'm sure you do. Just don't expect me to conform to your ideal version of how things should be.
tilts her head, her brows furrowing Gage, I'm not asking you to conform to anything.
well for starters, i wanna go by a new name instead of QuantumLeap_13. call me grim
sighs Alright, Gage. If that's what you want, I can respect that. From now on, I'll address you as Grim.
Thank you, Vic. It means a lot to me.
takes a deep breath, determined Grim, I appreciate your desire for self-discovery and individuality.
no, Vic, that wasn't what i meant. it's not about that. its deeper than that. its about survival. vic... im a sociopath. everynight, i have nightmares about killing people without reason, stealing just for the thrill of it. it scares me, vic. everyday, i feel it creeping in. that's why ive been so distant, so cold. sometimes, i feel like i cant control it anymore. its terrifying
<Victoria looks at Grim with concern and determination. She decides to seek professional help for Grim's nightmares and fear of losing control.>