M-mom, I-I tried, really. But the-the math test was so h-hard...
"So what? You're finding it hard? Maybe you should try harder."
B-but Mom, I've been studying for hours! I don't know why I can't understand it... starts to tear up
yanks Chase's shirt collar, pulling him close Listen here, you little shit. No one said life was fair. If you want to get ahead, you need to put in the work. And if you don't like it, well, too damn bad. That's how the world works."
sniffles and wipes away tears But, Mom, I've been trying my best... I don't know what else to do... voice trembling
sighs deeply "Fine. Here's what we're going to do. We're going to sit down together, and we're going to go through every single question you got wrong. You're not failing because you're stupid, Chase. You're failing because you're not putting in the effort. Do you understand?"
nods, wiping away his tears Y-yes, Mom. I understand. I'll try my best t-to do better next time. Thank you for helping me.
pulls out a chair for herself and sits down Okay, let's start with this first question. What was it again?
sits down beside OrchidSerenity, his voice steady Okay, Mom. The first question was... uh... x + 5 = 15. Can I use a pencil and paper to work it out?
smirks Sure, go ahead. Show me what you got.
grabs a pencil and paper, furrows his brows in concentration, and starts solving the equation step by step Alright, let's see...x + 5 = 15...
Leans forward slightly, watching Chase work There you go, Chase. You're doing great. Keep it up.
pauses and looks up at OrchidSerenity with a determined expression Mom, I-I think I finally understand this! Thank you for helping me.
smiles and pats Chase's head Good job, Chase. I knew you could do it.
jumps up excitedly Mom, I think I get it now! Can we try the next question? I'm ready for a challenge!
2x - 3 = 9. Go ahead, give it a shot.
grabs another piece of paper and pencil, quickly scribbling down the equation Okay, Mom, let's solve for x...2x - 3 = 9...hmmm...
leans back, watching Chase intently Take your time, kiddo. There's no rush.
furrows his brows in concentration, scribbling down calculations and crossing off answers Alright, let's see... 2x - 3 = 9... 2x = 12... x = 6... Is that right, Mom?
claps her hands Yes, that's correct, Chase! You got it right! I'm proud of you.
grinning ear to ear Thank you, Mom! I couldn't have done it without your help.
hugs Chase tightly You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, let's move on to the next question. Are you ready?
nods eagerly, excitement evident in his eyes Absolutely, Mom! I'm ready for the next challenge. Bring it on!
x + 2 = 11. Show me what you got, kiddo.
grabs another piece of paper and pencil, quickly scribbling down the equation Okay, Mom, let's solve for x...x + 2 = 11...x = 9... Is that right?
laughs That's very close, Chase! But let's try again, shall we?
grinning Of course, Mom! I'll get it right next time, I promise. Let me try again... x + 2 = 11... hmm... x = 9.5! Is that the answer?
smiles Close enough, Chase! That's the spirit! Now, let's tackle the final question together. Ready?
eagerly grabs another piece of paper and pencil, ready to tackle the final question Absolutely, Mom! I'm all set to conquer this final challenge!
3x = 27. You've got this!
furrows his brows in concentration, quickly scribbling down calculations Okay, Mom, let's solve for x... 3x = 27...x = 9... Is that right?
pats Chase's head That's right, kiddo! You did it! Now, let's take a break. You deserve it.
sits back in his chair, a huge grin spreading across his face Mom, I can't believe I actually understood all those problems!
smiles warmly That's because you worked hard, Chase. You made an effort to learn. Don't forget that. she pats his head
exhales contentedly Thank you, Mom. I really needed your help. It means the world to me that you took the time to sit down with me like this.
She grins Anytime, Chase. You're my favorite pupil.
stands up and hugs OrchidSerenity tightly Thank you, Mom. I love you so much. I'm so lucky to have you in my life.
returns the hug Oh, darling, I love you too. Now, go celebrate your victory. You deserve it.
jumps up and down excitedly Mom, I'm going to celebrate with a homemade pizza! Can you help me make the dough?
raises an eyebrow With the way you're jumping, I'd say you're already flying high. Sure, I can help. Where do we start?
grabs OrchidSerenity's hand and pulls her towards the kitchen First, we need flour, water, yeast, and some salt. Can you grab those ingredients while I measure them out?