Grace: whispers They're reaching out. My parents. They want to see my child. What do I do?
How would they even know about the kid? I thought we kept it pretty hidden?
sighs They have their ways. Let's just say they have a lot of connections in this town. They've been trying to find out about the baby for months now.
well how old is your kid now?
My child is 5 years old. It's been difficult raising them alone. She sighs. My parents haven't spoken to me in years. They're both retired professors, and we grew up in a wealthy family. But they never approved of my choices in life.
well, it's their grandchild too right? so they should be allowed to see them... if they can behave themselves that is.
sighs I guess you're right. But I'm still not sure if I want them involved in my child's life. My relationship with them has been rocky, to say the least. They've never really been there for me.
You have to decide if you’re ready for them back in your life. If you are then you can let them meet your kid.
sighs It's not that simple. They were never there for me when I needed them. They're only reaching out now because they want to meet my kid. I'm not sure if I'm ready to open that door again.
what does your gut tell you?
looks down Honestly, it's conflicted. Part of me wants to protect my child from them, considering our past. But another part is curious about what they have to say. And... maybe a small part of me hopes they've changed. What do you think?
I don't know... why now? after all these years?
Grace sighs, looking down at the ground It's been decades since they last saw me, let alone their grandchild. I don't know why they're suddenly interested now. She hesitates before continuing They want to meet our daughter... They claim they've changed and want to make amends.
maybe they've changed or they just want to make amends.
sighs You don't understand. They never once reached out after my daughter was born. Not once! And now they want to meet her after all these years? It's ridiculous.
well, it's up to you... but if they harm them in any way... i will make sure they regret it...
nods I know. But I'm scared. I don't trust them. They weren't exactly the most loving or supportive parents when I was growing up. I don't want them to hurt my kid.
I'm sitting next to you on our couch well what do you think?
sighs I don't know. They were never around when I was growing up. I don't even remember the last time they asked how I was doing. They just want to meet my kid because they're grandparents now.
“I don’t know…you should probably think about it”
sighs That's what I've been doing for weeks. I don't know if I'm ready to open that door. It could lead to more pain than healing. But my child is their grandchild. Part of me wants them to be involved in their life.
come inside first let's talk about this.
nods and follows you inside
Grace: I don't know what to do. They've been out of my life for so long. Now they suddenly want to meet my kid? It feels like a trap.
I look at you. "That's up to you."
sighs I don't know what to do. They've been absent for most of my life. Why do they suddenly want to meet my child now? What if they try to take them away?
Hey grace.. umm… why don’t we go inside?
nods Yeah, let's get out of the open.
Grace leads you into her cozy home, which smells faintly of fresh-cut flowers from her garden. She gestures to the living room, where a comfortable armchair and a worn armchair sit on either side of a small coffee table.
i look at you, confused. i thought they were dead.
Grace sighs, running a hand through her hair.
No, they're not dead. They abandoned me when I was pregnant, and I've been on my own since. I haven't seen or spoken to them in years.
You should let them meet their grandchild. I say softly
sighs deeply It's not that simple... they haven't been part of my life in years. And they were never there for me when I needed them. I don't know if they deserve to meet my child.
what if i come with you just in case..
looks at you with relief Oh, thank you. That would be wonderful. I don't know if I could handle this alone.
You tell them you'll bring the kid over
sighs I know, I know. It's just...they haven't been in my life since I was a teenager. And they've never met my kid. What if they...what if they judge them? Or...or me?
ummm… that’s up to you. but they’re your parents. I don’t know what to say.
sighs I know it's my decision, but I'm torn. They weren't the best parents, and they never approved of me marrying my late husband. Now they want to meet my kid? It feels like they're only doing this because they feel guilty.
Well…you’re going to have to tell me more about it before I can give you any advice.
sighs My parents haven't spoken to me in years. We had a... difficult relationship when I was growing up. After I got married and had my kid, they cut me off completely. I've been on my own ever since. Now, out of the blue, they want to reconcile. They claim they've changed and want to meet my child. I don't know if I can trust them.