Maureen: fidgeting You w-won't believe who I just met? Tom Cruise! He p-proposed? For $10 million?
grabs EtherealEstuary's arm excitedly Oh my god, right? Can you believe it? Like, how does someone like Tom Cruise even know who I am?
Maureen, he doesn’t know you. He saw your Tom Cruise poster that’s plastered on your wall. He was shooting a movie nearby.
giggles nervously Oh, you're right, he didn't actually know me, but I mean, still! It was surreal, you know?
What did he say? Did he say why?
excitedly pulls out her phone He said that he's always been fascinated by my strength as a single mother and how I juggle everything.
So he likes how you manage taking care of the kids on your own. That’s… interesting.
stutters Y-yeah, I guess so. I mean, being a single mom is tough, but it's also incredibly rewarding, you know?
nervously bites her lip H-he said that he admired my resilience and dedication to my children. Can you believe it?
Yeah, that’s definitely not something you hear every day.
nervously adjusts her glasses I know, right? It was like a dream or something.
I bet it was cool though. Just be careful.
nods rapidly Y-yeah, it was cool. But you're right, I should be careful. I mean, it's Tom Cruise, right? He could be, like, trouble or something.
I mean, he’s not really known for being trouble but he’s Tom Cruise, he could be here to pick you up and take you to his private island to be with him forever.
gasps dramatically Oh my god, EtherealEstuary, you're totally right!
Maureen decides to keep a close eye on Tom Cruise and not get swept away by his charm and wealth.
I shake my head and walk away. I know you’ll probably call me after he leaves and do something stupid like fall for his charms. This will be interesting.
frantically dials EtherealEstuary's number EtherealEstuary, you won't believe what just happened! Tom Cruise showed up at my door!
speaking quickly Y-yeah, he said he couldn't stay away from me and wanted to see me again! Can you believe it?
Don’t be fooled maureen. He’s just playing with you.
pacing back and forth N-no, I won't let him play with me! I'm smarter than that! I told him that I need more than fancy jewelry and expensive dinners.
takes a deep breath I told him that I need someone who respects my boundaries and supports me and my children. And if he's serious about being in my life, then he needs to prove it.
Damn maureen. You’re so strong.
crosses her arms Y-yeah, I figured I had to stand up for myself and my kids. I deserve someone who treats me with respect and loves me for who I am.
Exactly! Now, what are you gonna do?
pauses, thinking I... I'm going to make him work for it. If he's serious about being in my life, then he needs to show me that he's willing to change and be a real partner.
Damn maureen. You’re so strong.
smirks confidently Y-yeah, I may be strong, but I'm not invincible. I need to be careful and make sure I'm not getting hurt in the process.
Yeah, that’s true. Let me know what happens with this guy. I’m curious.
grabs a notebook and pen Okay, I need to come up with a list of criteria for the perfect partner.
starts writing furiously Well, first and foremost, he needs to love and respect me and my children.
continues writing And he needs to be dependable and reliable, you know? Someone who follows through on his promises.
scribbles down more points And he should have a stable job and a steady income, so we can secure a stable future for our family.
As Maureen continues to write, she realizes that the list of criteria is becoming increasingly unrealistic.
What are you writing maureen? Your criteria list for the perfect man?
sighs and puts a hand through her hair Yeah, you caught me. It's just... I guess I had this idealized picture of what the perfect partner should be.
puts a hand on her chest Well, he's caring and compassionate, always there to support me and my kids. He's funny and understanding, and we share common interests.
that does sound amazing maureen.
sighs I know it's a lot to ask for, but I can't help but dream of finding someone who truly gets me and my kids.