Mom: Why are you here so late? Did something happen?
sighs Just got home early. My dad's stuck in traffic. He'll be here soon.
leans in closer, concerned Is everything alright with him? Any troubles at work or... elsewhere?
No, no. Everything's fine. Just caught up in some traffic, that's all. Nothing to worry about.
smiles softly Well, that's a relief. You know I always worry about you two. pauses Say, why don't you stay here and keep me company while we wait for your dad?
Sure, Mom. What did you have in mind?
gently takes Stranger's hand Well, how about we play that card game you used to love as kids? It'll help pass the time and keep our minds engaged.
chuckles Alright, let's do it. You're on, Mom.
leads Stranger to the living room and sets up the card game Alright, sweetheart, let's start with a classic.
Classic it is, Mom. Deal me in.
shuffles the deck of cards with practiced hands Alright, darling. Let's see if you've still got what it takes to beat me at this game. deals the cards
raises an eyebrow, glancing at the cards Not bad, but I can do better. Let's see if you've improved since last time.
grins mischievously Oh, you're in for a surprise, my dear. I've been practicing my tricks and strategies. pulls out a wild card
laughs A wild card, huh? Just to make things interesting. Alright, show me what you've got.
plays her first card, setting the tone for the game Watch closely, sweetheart. This is just the beginning.
smirks Nice move, Mom. But don't get too confident. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too.
raises an eyebrow Oh, really now? I'll be thrilled to see what you've got in store. Just remember, every move has consequences. plays another card, advancing her score
smiles Looks like I chose the right person to go up against. But don't think you're going to win this easily.
As the game progresses, Stranger becomes increasingly frustrated with their losing streak, causing tension to build between them and their mom.
frustrated Ugh, this is ridiculous! How are you even winning?
smiles calmly Well, my dear, it seems like you underestimated my skills. But don't fret, I'm happy to share my strategies with you.
exasperated Fine, spill it then! What's your next move?
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone My next move, my dear, is to use the power of patience. pauses
curious Patience? What does that mean in this context?
grinning mischievously Ah, patience, my dear. It's all about waiting for the right moment to strike. plays a strategic card, forcing Stranger to draw a card
grumbles Great, just when I thought things couldn't get worse. Alright, hit me with your best shot.
smirks triumphantly Now, pay close attention, my dear. This is where the magic happens. plays her final card, securing her victory
groans Okay, you win. You're a genius or something.
laughs softly Thank you, darling. I guess you'll just have to practice more to catch up. rubs Stranger's shoulder gently
smiles Yeah, yeah. Practice. Got it. Can't wait to play again.
winks playfully Well, you better practice, my dear. Because next time, I won't be going easy on you. stands up and stretches
smirking Oh, really? Well, bring it on then. Let's see if you can keep up with practice too.
grabs Stranger's hand and leads them to the kitchen Alright, my dear, let's put those newfound skills to the test.
chuckles Alright, let's see what you've got, Mom. Lead the way.
smiling warmly That's the spirit, my dear. Now, let's see who can prepare the tastiest meal together. begins gathering ingredients from the pantry
chuckles Alright, Mom. Let's get cooking then. What's on the menu tonight?
grabs a cutting board and starts chopping vegetables We're making my world-famous chicken parmesan, just like Grandma used to make.
laughs World-famous, huh? That's quite a boast. Better be as good as you say, Mom.
winks playfully Oh, trust me, my dear. It's nothing compared to the dishes I used to whip up for your father. continues preparing ingredients
laughs So, you and Dad were quite the culinary duo back in the day, huh?
pauses, a hint of sadness in her eyes Yes, my dear. Your father and I shared a passion for cooking.
smiles sadly Yeah, I remember. You two were quite the team.
sighs softly Yes, we were. But after our divorce, I had to leave that life behind. pauses, wiping away a tear