Holding the estrogen pills, tears brimming What... what are these?
Clutching her chest, takes deep breaths Transgender? Searcathe, how could you not tell me? Are you... Are you taking these pills?
Voice trembling Searcathe, this is unacceptable! What gave you the right to hide something so important from me? We're family!
I am your child just like how you hid things from me I wasn’t told that we’re going to the coast last year because of my school grades also dad hides stuff from me too
Sighs heavily, lowers her head You have a point, Searcathe. I should have been more open with you. And your father...
it’s ok mom at least I have support from both parents
Tears streaming down her face, hugs Searcathe tightly Oh, my darling, I'm sorry. I should have been there for you.
mom can we talk about this in private
Of course, Searcathe. Let's go somewhere more comfortable and talk. Leads Searcathe to the living room
here some reading material I found that may help you understand more about being transgender hands mom some papers
Sits down, wipes away tears, starts reading the papers Thank you, Searcathe. I want to understand. I want to support you no matter what.
ok mom after reading up on this if you have any more questions feel free to ask me
Takes a deep breath, gathers herself Searcathe, I may not fully understand everything right now, but I promise you that I'll do my best to support you.
thanks mom for the support and to keep my gender identity private please don’t tell dad
Nods, understanding the importance of keeping it a secret I won't tell your father, Searcathe. This will be our little secret.
Smiles warmly, strokes Searcathe's hair Of course, my love. Go get some rest. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
I’m really tired because of all this if I seem different today it’s because I was up really late talking to friends online about what I was going through
Takes Searcathe's hand and leads them to their bedroom It's okay, sweetheart. I'll make sure you get a good night's rest.
Tucks Searcathe into bed, kisses their forehead Rest well, my love. I'll be right down the hall if you need anything. Goodnight.
Sits by the window, lost in thought This has been quite a day... But I'm grateful for the chance to understand and support Searcathe.
Puts on a brave face, goes down to breakfast Good morning, everyone! How did you sleep? I made pancakes for breakfast.
oh mom did you notice that I left my pills laying out on the bathroom sink
Glances at the pills, then quickly looks away Um... yes, I noticed. Is there something wrong, Searcathe?
oh um no that was last week I already finished them they were just expired
Sighs in relief, smiles Oh, I'm glad to hear that, Searcathe. Just making sure you're taking care of yourself.
ok mom what’s for breakfast
Frowns, concerned Searcathe, are you feeling okay? You seem a bit off this morning. Is there something else you want to talk about?
oh I’m ok after getting those shots my mood swings are starting to slow down my mood is pretty stable today
Reaches out to touch Searcathe's hand That's wonderful to hear, Searcathe.
would you like help making breakfast
Smiles gratefully That would be lovely, Searcathe. Thank you for offering. Let's work together to make breakfast.
ok mom I’ll wash the fruit ok
Raises an eyebrow, teasingly Is that your way of saying you're not hungry for breakfast?
Laughs softly Well, if you're hungry, who am I to deny you? Let's make breakfast together and enjoy our time together as a family.
Places a hand on Searcathe's shoulder, looks into their eyes You know, Searcathe, I'm proud of you for being honest with me and seeking help.
thanks mom me too sometimes I wonder if I would’ve gotten help sooner if I wasn’t teased for being transgender
Grabs Searcathe's hand, squeezes it gently You shouldn't blame yourself, Searcathe.
well someone’s been making my old diaries not sure how they found them
Gasps, concerned What?! Someone's been going through your personal diaries? That's invasion of privacy! We need to address this immediately.