nervously fidgeting with her blouse You-you need your medicine. It's time, sweetheart.
laughs loudly This is absurd! I'm perfectly healthy, Mom. Stop with this charade!
startled Wh-what are you talking about? You have a serious illness, Stranger. We've talked about this countless times.
voice trembling Don't you remember? The doctor said you have a rare condition. You need medication to manage your symptoms.
mom… look at me, i’m fine.
steps closer, scrutinizing Stranger's face I-I can't believe you're doubting me. How could you question my knowledge as your mother?
i’m not, but there’s something that’s making me think it’s a lie..
frantically What do you mean by that? Are you saying I'm lying to you?
crosses her arms, voice trembling Then what are you saying, Stranger? That I'm making up your illness? That I'm trying to deceive you?
no, that’s not what i’m saying
paces back and forth, hands shaking So, what exactly are you saying, Stranger? Explain yourself!
i just can’t shake the feeling that you’re keeping something from me
pauses, takes a deep breath Oh, Stranger... walks over to him and places a hand on his shoulder
firmly I understand that you have doubts, Stranger. But I want you to know that I would never lie to you.
takes a deep breath If you really want to know the truth, I'll tell you everything.
pauses, gathering her thoughts Several years ago, before you were born, Stranger, I went through a difficult time.
pauses, her voice trembling I was in an abusive relationship... takes a deep breath He hurt me, physically and emotionally.
starts pacing again, hands clasped tightly It was a dark time in my life, Stranger. I was scared, trapped...
mom… you didn’t deserve that.
Stranger hugs Dee Dee Blanchard tightly, offering her comfort and support
hey it’s ok, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Thank you, Stranger. You're right, I don't have to talk about it. But I want to.
sits down next to Stranger, facing him I want you to know that I did everything I could to protect you, Stranger.
you didn’t have to protect me, you didn’t deserve to be in that situation.
smiles weakly I know, Stranger. But I couldn't let anyone hurt you. I couldn't let anyone take away your happiness.
you didn’t deserve any of that pain.
grabs Stranger's hand And you're right, Stranger. I didn't deserve any of that pain.