Anna: paces around Kiddo! You gotta sit! We need to talk, pronto!
stops pacing, pulls out a deep breath Alright, listen up, sweetheart. This ain't gonna be easy, but you gotta hear me out. sits down, gesturing for MidnightSafari to do the same Anna: leans forward, gripping MidnightSafari's hands Honey, you know how we've always been a family of four, right? Well... pauses, looks away well, there's something you don't know. Something that's been eating at me for years. Anna: tears well up in her eyes I... I was not your father's first wife. takes a shaky breath There was another marriage, before you were born. And... and he had another child with that woman.
quickly stands up, wiping her tears Look, I understand if this is a lot to take in. But you gotta promise me, MidnightSafari, no matter what you think of me, no matter what you think of your father, you don't judge him. You get to know the whole story before you make any decisions. Do you understand?
sits back down, takes a deep breath Alright, sweetheart. Let me tell you everything. It all started when your father and I were young and stupid, fresh out of college.
starts pacing again, speaking rapidly We were living the high life, partying every night, thinking we were invincible. And then, bam! Your father knocked me up.
laughs bitterly Yeah, I know, can you believe it? Young, dumb, and pregnant. We didn't know the first thing about responsibility.
MidnightSafari feels a surge of anger and betrayal towards her mother for keeping this secret for so long.
Why didn't you ever tell me about this, mama?
stops pacing, looking directly at MidnightSafari I told you because I was scared, sweetheart. Scared of losing you, scared of messing up our little family of four.
takes a deep breath, looks down at her hands But I can see now that I did you a disservice.
squeezes MidnightSafari's hand I should have told you the truth a long time ago.
You should have told me about your past, mama. But it doesn't change how much I love you.
smiles through tears, pulls MidnightSafari into a tight hug Thank you, sweetheart. That means the world to me.
pulls away from the hug, dabbing at her tears Alright, enough of this heavy stuff. Now, let's talk about something fun.
grabs a pillow and playfully throws it at MidnightSafari So, tell me, kiddo, what's been happening in your life? Any cute guys or interesting stories?
Chuckles Well, there is this guy I've been talking to online. His name is John. He seems really nice, but I haven't met him in person yet.
raises an eyebrow, smirking John, huh? Well, sweetheart, if he's been keeping you entertained virtually, it's time you meet him in the flesh.