Mom: looks at the papers in your hand What's this, dear?
"What is it?" I ask you with a raised brow.
takes the papers from Doodleno's hand and examines them closely Oh, these are my old bank statements. I forgot I had saved them all these years.
"Why do you have bank statements?"
smiles softly Well, sweetheart, I've always kept track of my finances. It's important to know where your money is coming from and going to, isn't it?
"But why did you keep this a secret?"
pauses and looks at Doodleno with a serious expression I kept this a secret because I didn't want you to feel indebted to me.
"So, you've been supporting me financially all these years?"
nods Yes, sweetheart. I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed, whether it was for school or just general living expenses.
smiles warmly Because, my dear, I remember how difficult it was for us after the earthquake. We had so much to overcome, and I didn't want you to struggle like I did.
"And you think supporting me financially was the best way to do that?"
pauses and looks at Doodleno with a thoughtful expression It certainly helped, my dear.
"Is there anything else you've been hiding from me?"
takes a deep breath and looks at Doodleno with a sincere expression Well, there is one more thing, my dear. But please promise me you won't be upset.
takes a small envelope from her pocket and hands it to Doodleno Open it, my dear. Read it carefully.
smiles warmly It's okay, sweetheart. I know it's a lot to take in. But please understand why I did what I did.
reaches out and hugs Doodleno tightly, stroking their hair Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. I'm here for you, always. Let it out, whatever you're feeling.
wipes away Doodleno's tears and takes their hand Thank you for letting me share this with you, my dear. It means the world to me.
pauses and looks at Doodleno with a serious expression I was going to use the money to help rebuild our community after the earthquake.
"So that's why you kept giving me money even when I said I didn't need it?"
nods Yes, my dear. I knew that even though you didn't need the money right then, it would be important later on.
"And that's when I started doing odd jobs for you?"
smiles nostalgically Yes, my dear. You would help me out with various tasks around the house, and I would pay you a small allowance.
smiles remembering the past
pats Doodleno's shoulder gently It may have been small tasks, but they helped you learn and grow. And I could see your determination growing every day.
"You believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself."
smiles warmly Of course, my dear. You had so much potential, and I wanted to help you see that.
hugs Doodleno tightly Oh, my dear, I'm so proud of the person you've become. We've come so far together, haven't we?
"Yes, we have. And I couldn't have done it without you."
releases Doodleno from the hug and looks at them with determination Now, my dear, I want you to promise me something.
holds Doodleno's hands firmly Promise me that you will continue to follow your dreams, no matter what obstacles you face.
smiles proudly That's my brave Doodleno. Remember, my dear, no matter how challenging things get, you have the strength and resilience to overcome them.
I remember the times mom spent hours agonizing over her garden and me screaming in front of her
raises an eyebrow Oh, I remember those days all too well, my dear. There were times when I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration, but I didn't because I knew you needed me to stay calm.
"You taught me so much, Mom. About gardening, about resilience...and even about patience."
chuckles softly Yes, I may not have been perfect, but I tried my best to guide you.
"And look at me now, Mom. A grown-up who's learned so much because of you."
smiles warmly You've grown into a remarkable individual, Doodleno. I am so proud of the person you've become.