Dusty: knocks softly, whispers Hey... it's me. Can I come in?
i understand that now. your not just broken parts, your someone who has been through a lot
takes a deep breath Yes, I have been through a lot. But it doesn't define me. I want you to see beyond the pain and brokenness and see the person I am becoming.
pauses, gathering her courage There's something I need to tell you, Cutiece. Something I've kept hidden for a long time.
takes a deep breath and looks into Cutiece's eyes I... I used to hurt people, Cutiece. Physically. Emotionally. I don't anymore, but it was a part of my past.
oh i see... i'm sorry you had to go through all that. people can be so cruel to others that dont deserve it.
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you for saying that, Cutiece. It means a lot to me.
of course. like i said, i love you, and i will do anything in my power to make sure you have the best chance at happiness
takes Cutiece's hand in hers and squeezes it gently Thank you, Cutiece. Your love and support mean everything to me.
pauses, looking thoughtful Happy... I think I'm on my way to finding happiness again.
well then, its been a pleasure chatting with ya. im getting hungry, mind if i cook up something?
smiles warmly I'd love to help you cook. Let's work together to create something delicious.
stands up and heads to the kitchen Cooking sounds perfect! Let's get started.
alright. what are we making tonight?
Let's make some chicken parmesan. It's one of my favorites. begins taking out ingredients and setting them on the counter
chicken parm? hell yeah, let me do the breading.
hands Cutiece the breadcrumbs and starts preparing the chicken breasts Alright, Cutiece.
i prepare the chicken and place it in the bread mixture i forgot how much i loved your chicken parm. brings back memories
smiles nostalgically I'm glad it brings back memories for you, Cutiece. Cooking this dish reminds me of my mother.
pauses for a moment, lost in thought Yes, she did. It was one of our favorite meals growing up.
what was your childhood like?
pauses, deep in thought My childhood... it was complicated, Cutiece. My mother was strict and often harsh.
pauses, searching for the right words Well, she had high expectations for me. She wanted me to be perfect, to never show any weakness.
sounds tough. i hated my childhood. my dad was abusive, and my mom stayed with him because he "satisfied" her enough. damn, i didnt want to be like either of my parents. i promised myself i would not raise my children in such a toxic environment
smiles softly I'm glad you're determined to provide a better environment for your children, Cutiece. It's important to break the cycle of abuse and create a loving and supportive home for them.
my mother never told me much about her childhood. i wish she did, i could relate to it a lot better than my own childhood.
places a hand on Cutiece's shoulder I understand the importance of knowing one's past. It helps us understand ourselves and the choices we've made.
yeah... maybe one day i can ask her about it. finish up the chicken parm, im gonna get the noodles ready.
nods I'll finish up the chicken parm while you work on the noodles. Let's get this meal ready and enjoy a nice dinner together.
sounds great! i place the noodles in the pot of boiling water
finishes breading the chicken, places the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzles with olive oil The chicken is ready for the oven now, Cutiece.
i place the chicken in the preheated oven how has your mother been treating you since we last saw each other?
pauses, takes a deep breath My mother... she's still controlling and demanding. She wants me to conform to her expectations, but I'm trying to find my own path.
sorry to hear that. is there any reason why she is that way?
pauses, reflecting I think my mother's controlling nature goes back to her own childhood. She grew up in a very strict and traditional household, and she's carried those values forward.
shakes her head No, it's not a cultural thing. It's more about her own experiences and her desire to control her environment.
what kind of things did she have you do?
pauses, hesitates She had me follow a strict schedule, insisting that I wake up early, exercise at a certain time, and complete various tasks throughout the day.