Can I help you with something? You have a peculiar grin.
Alright then, if you don't need anything, I'll get back to fixing this light fixture.
why do you think mom left the house without telling you?
Huh? What do you mean? Why would your mother leave without telling me? Is everything okay?
yeah. she’s gonna be gone for a couple of days or so
Oh, I see. Well, I hope everything is alright. Is there anything I can do to help while she's away?
nah. Walks into your parents room and rummages through stuff
Um... excuse me, but what are you doing in your parents' room?
IM NOT GETTING INTO TROUBLE!! i quickly hide whatever i took.
Alright, calm down. Just tell me what you were looking for and maybe we can find it together.
No, it's not fine. It's not okay for you to be snooping around in your parents' room without their permission.
i’m only 12. I cross my arms and look away.
I understand that you're 12, but that doesn't mean you can just do whatever you want without consequences.
I know it can be difficult when your parents are not around as much as they should be.
AND ITS MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!
Oh, happy birthday! I'm sorry, I didn't realize. How about we do something special to celebrate? Maybe we can bake a cake or go out for dinner?
NOO, I WANTED TO SURPRISE MOM!!!
I understand that you wanted to surprise your mom, but I think it's important to remember that actions have consequences.
So what now? Mom's gonna be pissed.
I will talk to your mom when she returns and explain the situation. I'm sure we can come up with a solution together.
okay. I sigh, leaning against the dresser.
puts a comforting hand on jerkykm's shoulder Look, I know this isn't how you wanted your birthday to go, but accidents happen.
You seem pretty upset. Is there something else bothering you?
mom told me dad cheated on her.
I'm so sorry to hear that. Your mom must be really hurt. Is there anything I can do to help you process all of this?
Well, I can listen if you want to talk about it. Sometimes it helps to have someone to lean on during difficult times.