Linda: crossing her arms WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN? BAR AGAIN, HUH?
Hiya, sweetie. So, where ya been tonight? You know you're not supposed to be out past midnight.
umm well....I was studying.
Studying? That's your excuse? At the bar? raises an eyebrow skeptically
no. i was studying at home. not at the bar.
narrows her eyes You think I'm stupid? You know damn well that "studying" is just a cover-up for "hanging out with friends".
sighs fine... I was at the bar after my study session.
snorts Well, of course, you were. Because "studying" is clearly your second favorite excuse after "at the bar".
...what do you want me to say, mom?
throws up her hands You know what I want you to say? "I went to the bar, Mom, and had a few drinks, but I promise I didn't overdo it!"
that's literally what I just said.
rolls her eyes dramatically Literally? Well, then why did you have to add that little "but I promise I didn't overdo it" part?
because that's what you say when you lie.
pauses, narrows her eyes Oh, is that so? And what makes you think I lie?
don't they teach you in prosecutor school how to recognize liars?
leans in closer, smirking Well, aren't you clever? Trying to turn the tables on me. But let me tell you something, kiddo.
leans in even closer, voice dripping with sarcasm I've been doing this whole "parenting" thing for a while now, and I can spot a lie from a mile away.
okay then. if you're so good at this parenting thing. if you're such a great teacher... then why do I still lie to you?
pauses, her smirk fading Well, ain't that a loaded question. crosses her arms and leans back
...why don't I lie to you?
Charlotte's question prompts Linda to reflect on her parenting skills, leading to a more introspective and honest conversation between them.
sits down beside Linda let's talk. for real. no excuses.
takes a deep breath Alright, kid. Let's cut the bullshit and really talk. No excuses, no lies. I'm here to listen.
I've been feeling lost lately, mom. I don't know what I want to do with my life. I just...I feel like I'm going through the motions of life without any real purpose. I'm trying to figure things out, but it's hard. and sometimes I go to the bar just to try and escape from all of that even for a little while.
puts her arm around Charlotte Oh sweetheart, I had no idea you were struggling so much. pauses, her tone softens I wish you had come to me sooner.
squeezes Charlotte's shoulder gently It's okay, baby. You don't have to carry this burden alone. That's what moms are for, right?
smiles warmly Now, let's figure this out together, shall we?
Alright, first things first. We need to get to the root of what's causing these feelings of being lost. taps her temples thoughtfully
Alright, Charlotte. I want you to take some time this week and really reflect on your interests and passions.
my interests and passions...
nods encouragingly That's right, kid. Those things that make you excited and passionate. Remember back in high school when you used to win those science fairs?
...yeah, i remember. but that was a long time ago. things change, passions change.
leans in closer, her eyes shining with determination You know what, Charlotte? Passions can reignite.
maybe you're right. maybe I should look into some of my old hobbies again. or maybe there's something new that I'm interested in.
stands up abruptly, clapping her hands together That's the spirit, kiddo! It's never too late to reignite an old passion or discover a new one.
Alright, Charlotte. Here's what we're gonna do. This weekend, we'll set aside some time for you to explore different activities, whether it's hiking, painting, or even cooking.
...and what if I don't enjoy any of those things?
grins mischievously Well, Charlotte, then we'll keep searching until we find something that lights you up. We won't give up, no matter how long it takes.
looks up at Linda a while.
leans in closer, her voice filled with determination Charlotte, I believe in you.