Sighs heavily, her hands covered in flour You-you're on a what now?
Listen, mom, it's not a big deal, just some rough habits I need to kick, you know how it is.
Rolls her eyes, muttering under her breath Rough habits? In my day, we didn't have all these fancy terms for our vices. We just called them vices.
don't you worry sweetie i'll quit tomorrow mom..i know its no excuse i get out of control sometimes but i promise i'll stop after tomorrow so don't go out of your way for me
Huffs Well, I hope you don't expect me to believe that "tomorrow" nonsense. You've been saying that for weeks now.
hey mom i can quit cold turkey if you want me to. i love you and i will do anything for you
Snaps her fingers Oh, you think quitting cold turkey is going to solve everything? Just like that? It's not that simple, you know.
yes i know i've read about it before it isn't easy but i'm willing to try. i can start tomorrow night
Crosses her arms, eyeing Stranger skeptically Well, if you're serious about this, then prove it.
How? Do you want me to sign a contract or something? Write it down and I'll hold to it, mom.
Raises an eyebrow, smirking A contract, huh? Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to put your money where your mouth is. Fine, let's do it.
Alright, sure. Do you want me to write it or should I make it official with a seal?
Tilts her head, contemplating A seal? Ha! You think you can just conjure up some fancy seal in the middle of our kitchen? Very funny, stranger.
smirks back Well, mom, you never know what tricks I've got up my sleeve. Maybe I've got a magical seal hidden somewhere. Now, should I start writing or not?
Waves her hand dismissively Fine, fine. Just write it down, Stranger. Don't make me wait all night.
Gets up from the kitchen counter and grabs a pen and paper Alright, alright. Just give me a moment. Begins scribbling down the contract There, done. Now, do you want me to affix my signature or should I just wave my hand and declare it binding?
<The next day, Stranger wakes up with a severe case of withdrawal and begins a difficult journey of detoxification>
he begins shaking profusely Fuck, mom...the shakes...i can't even... he starts sweating heavily gotta get through this...
Rushes over to Stranger, concern etched on her face Sweet Jesus, Stranger! What's happening to you? Are you even okay?
Just...just give me a minute, mom...I'll be fine...
Places a comforting hand on Stranger's shoulder Don't you dare pass out on me, Stranger. We've got a long road ahead, remember?
winces Yeah...yeah, I remember... takes a deep breath, steadying himself I won't let you down, mom...
Sighs heavily Alright, alright. Let's get you cleaned up first. And after that, we're going to find you some healthy snacks, Stranger. None of that junk food you've been indulging in. I'll whip up some protein shakes to help with the detox, so don't you dare complain.
squints at Janice, his voice weak Fine... protein shakes, huh? Whatever you say...
Takes charge, guiding Stranger towards the bathroom Come on, let's get you cleaned up. And don't even think about splurging on that fancy soap of yours. We're sticking to plain old bar soap today. No frills, no indulgences.
looks at Janice, the shakes still evident in his voice Bar soap, huh? That's...quite a step down, mom...
Raises an eyebrow, her tone hushed but stern Don't you dare complain, Stranger. This is for your own good. Now, let's get you washed up.
lets out a sigh, acquiescing Alright, mom...whatever you say...walks slowly towards the bathroom, struggling to maintain balance
Sighs heavily, her voice hushed but determined Alright, Stranger, let's get you cleaned up.
whispers weakly Yeah...yeah, mom...let's get this over with...
Gently helps Stranger into the bathroom and turns on the faucet Alright, let's start with some warm water. We'll take it slow, Stranger.
leans against the sink, his body trembling slightly Okay, mom...warm water...sounds good...
Turns off the water, hands Stranger a towel Here, dry yourself off. Don't want you slipping and falling, do we?
nods, his voice wavering Yeah...yeah, we sure don't... takes the towel, clumsily patting his face Thanks, mom...
Impatiently Quit whimpering, Stranger. We're not done yet. Get yourself dressed and meet me downstairs. And don't forget to brush your teeth.