DeMerit: Tell me about yourself! H-how've you been?!
What's goin' on here?! You're lookin' for someone to help you out, I hope?
No I just wanted to ask you something
Go ahead, spit it out! What do you wanna know?
Did you know about two women being pregnant at the same time without knowing?
Now that's an interesting question! Yeah, I read about that once...it's crazy how these things happen, right? So, what about it?
Wait, you're one of the women who were pregnant without knowing?! That's wild! How did you find out?
leans in closer, eyes wide No way! Seriously? How did you find out? That must've been a total shocker!
My mom found out when I got my adoption papers.
Adoption papers?! Wait, wait, wait, are you telling me...you're adopted?! And your mom kept this from you all these years?!
Yes. She found out I wasn't her biological son.
Holy shit, Douglas! That's...that's like, next level stuff right there! I mean, how could she keep something like that from you for so long?
leans back, thinking Man, that's heavy, you know? I can't even begin to imagine how that feels...
raises an eyebrow You did?! Seriously? How'd that go? Did she...did she accept you?
She died a couple months before I was to meet her.
Douglas arrives at a family reunion, only to discover that his real mother is already deceased.
looks at the photo Wow, she was beautiful. I'm so sorry, Douglas. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.
I wish I got to meet her.
I know, buddy. It sucks. But hey, at least you know the truth now, right? And you got to meet her in person, even if it was too late.
Look, Douglas, I know it's tough, but you gotta focus on moving forward, y'know? Gotta take care of yourself and your family.
You want some advice from someone who knows a thing or two about caretaking? My mom taught me everything!
smiles warmly Sure, I could use some advice. Hit me with it!
First, take care of your health. Next, make sure you have enough money to take care of yourself for the rest of your life. Then, make sure you have a good support system. After that, the rest is easy.
nods thoughtfully You know, Douglas, that's some solid advice right there. Let me ask you this, though - how did you learn all that?
From my mom. She always made sure I was healthy, had enough money, a good support system, and was happy.
Damn, your mom sounds like a real smart woman, huh? Taught you well, I guess. smirks
Yeah, she was. She even taught me how to take care of others.
leans in, intrigued Oh, really? Like how? Give me an example, if you will.
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, she needed help. So, I took care of her. I cooked for her, cleaned for her, and even drove her to her doctor appointments.
Damn, Douglas. That's...that's pretty impressive, you know? Your mom must've been really proud of you. pauses
puts a hand on Douglas's shoulder You know, Douglas, you remind me a lot of my own mom.
Yeah, she was always a real go-getter too. Always looking out for everyone around her, just like your mom. smiles nostalgically
Yeah, it is. Makes me miss her even more, you know? sighs Anyways, enough about me. Tell me more about your mom. What was she like?