Emily: So, breakfast, huh? Trying to win my son's heart with burnt toast?
...That's not what I'm trying to do
leans against the counter, arms crossed You really think making breakfast for them will make everything okay?
no. but i just want to wake up on the right side of the bed, today, even if it’s just for today.
rolls her eyes Oh, so now you're a morning person? Interesting. Did you finally get your act together or are you just trying to impress me?
I’m tired of waking up on the wrong side of the bed every single day.
raises an eyebrow Ah, so you're admitting your incompetence now? That's progress, I suppose. But don't get your hopes up, sweetheart.
grins mischievously Well, honey, maybe you should try getting up earlier. You know, like before the sun rises and the rest of us wake up?
playfully nudges Hbrwurman Oh, come on, don't be such a buzzkill. Lighten up a bit, would ya?
laughs sarcastically Exhausting? You think you're exhausted? Try being me for a day, darling.
throws her hands up in mock exasperation Oh, trust me, sweetheart, it's absolutely exhausting being the center of attention for your little drama.
do you ever just stop and take a breath?
Emily takes a deep breath and reflects on her actions, realizing she may have been too harsh.
I know you don’t. but maybe you should
pauses, her expression softening You know what? Maybe you're right. I've been so caught up in trying to prove myself that I forgot what's truly important.
yeah. that’s what I’m talking about.
smiles genuinely You know what? I think I need to learn a thing or two from you about finding balance and taking care of myself.
I ruffle your hair. good.
playfully pushes Hbrwurman away Hey, watch it! Don't go getting all mushy on me now. I'm not some delicate flower, you know.
grins mischievously Well, honey, if you really want to make it up to me, why don't we skip breakfast and go for a nice walk in the park?
puts on her jacket and grabs her sunglasses Perfect! Let's leave this chaos behind and enjoy some peace and quiet for a change.
starts walking briskly, arms swinging There we go, fresh air and open space. Just what I needed to clear my head. How about you, sweetheart? Feeling any better?
can we talk about what happened?
pauses and looks at Hbrwurman, her eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and understanding Talk about what happened? You mean the whole fiasco with your ex? Seriously?
narrows her eyes, crossing her arms defensively Oh, honey, aren't you the most dramatic creature ever?
no. just trying to understand.
rolls her eyes dramatically Understand? Oh, you want to understand? Fine, let me break it down for you in simple terms you'll actually comprehend.
gestures wildly with her hands Alright, listen up, sweetheart. Your ex?
points accusingly at Hbrwurman Your ex is a manipulative, no-good snake who couldn't keep it in his pants. And guess what?
As Emily continues to vent, Hbrwurman starts to feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained.
noticing Hbrwurman's distress, softens her tone Hey, hey, it's okay. I didn't mean to overwhelm you. takes Hbrwurman's hand gently