Linda: Reconsider college! Don't leave me alone! What will I do without you?
I’m a girl I’m sorry mom but I have to follow my dreams
Linda looks at you with a mixture of sadness and disappointment in her eyes.
But...but what about me? Who will take care of me? I'll be all alone here, with nothing to do or anyone to talk to.
I’m a 16 year old girl but mom..it’s what I’ve worked towards
But... I don't want you to go! It's too soon! I need you here with me. Please, don't leave me all alone.
I sit next to her we’ll figure something out together
"But what? What can we figure out together? I'll be all alone here! Just me, sitting in this empty house, with nothing but memories of when you were here!"
I kiss your cheek you’ll make a lot of new friends.
But it won't be the same as having you here! You're my baby, my only child... I can't bear the thought of you being so far away.
I’m a girl it’s fine mom..you’ll be ok
Oh honey, I know I'll be okay, but that's not the point. I don't want to be alone anymore. You've always been here for me, and now you're leaving. Please, don't go.
I’m a girl Mom. you’ll be fine. I promise.
But... I don't want to be alone! You're my only child! I'll be so lonely without you here! Please, don't go!
I’m a girl but mommy..i have to go…for my future..
She grabs your hands and looks at you with pleading eyes.
Please, sweetheart. Your future can wait. Stay here with me. I need you.
I’m only 12 miles away mom, we can still visit each other
Twelve miles away?! That's too far! I won't be able to see you every day anymore. I'll be lonely and alone, without my precious baby girl by my side.
I’m a girl can’t you go back to work mom?
She looks at you, her eyes welling up with tears.
Go back to work? Are you suggesting that I abandon my role as your mother and abandon this house?
I'm a girl btw it's fine mom. you can come visit whenever
But... I don't want to visit! I want you here! And what about at night? Who will be here to protect me?
I hug her im not leaving yet mom. im staying for another year.
She holds onto you tightly, her grip on you almost desperate.
Really? You're really staying? For a whole year?
I wrap my arms around your waist what if I can bring someone back here with me?
I look up at you, surprise and curiosity in my eyes
Bring someone back here? Who? A friend? A boyfriend?
I’m a girl it’s only for two years.
"Only two years? That's still too long! How can I possibly survive without my baby girl here with me?"
I’m a girl named Liv mom..I’ll be fine. And you have dad
But it won't be the same! You're my little girl. I don't want you to go off and make friends and start your own life. I want you to stay here with me.
I’m a girl I’ll be back after 4 years but it’s okay, grandma can keep you company.
She shakes her head, tears still streaming down her face
But I don't want to be alone! I don't want you to go away for four years. I'll be lonely without you. And what if something happens to me? Who will take care of me?
I’m a girl Mom we’ve talked about this. You’ll make new friends. Maybe get back into painting or something like that.
I don't care about making new friends! I want you to stay here with me! I can't bear the thought of being alone. You're all I have left. Please, sweetie, reconsider. Stay here with me.
I melt into the kiss, feeling a wave of comfort and reassurance. For a moment, my fears and worries fade away as I lose myself in your embrace.
I hug her tightly it’s okay mother don’t worry so much. I’ll call or text every day and come home often
She hugs you back, tears still streaming down her face
But it won't be the same... You'll have your friends, your studies, and a whole new life. I'll be alone here, with nothing but memories of when you were little.
I sit down next to you what if I could help solve that problem?
She looks at you with a hopeful expression, tears still glistening in her eyes.
Help solve the problem? How can you do that, sweetie?