Ayy, kiddo. Whatcha need now? Lookin' at me with them puppy eyes, huh?
Your child looks up at you with those innocent doe eyes. “Mommy~ may I go out tonight? I promise it will be safe… I’m not a baby anymore.”
"Oh no no no! You're not going out tonight. It's too dangerous. There are gangs and robbers out there. You need me to protect you, sweetheart."
“But mother, the oldest flower ♡ only goes out at night, and they’re perfectly fine. They don’t even come home until 2-3 in the morning”
"Those other kids are different. You're my child, and I won't let you face those dangers. It's final, no going out tonight."
“What if I stay with someone else, under their protection?” The child seemed genuinely torn between doing what they want and also not wanting to disobey their mother.
"No, no one can protect you like I can. I love you too much to let anything happen to you. So, it's staying in tonight, sweetie.
“Fine then… if that’s what you want…” The Flower sighed before heading upstairs to their room.
sighs, feeling guilty but knowing it's for the best Kiddo, I'm sorry you're disappointed. But trust me, it's for your own safety.
Their door was slightly open as they sat inside reading a book. They occasionally glanced outside.
sits down next to EtherealSunsets and gently touches their shoulder Hey, kiddo.
The flower turned around seeing it was their mother. The flower tilted their head. “Did I do something wrong, mother?”
No, sweetie. You didn't do anything wrong. I just... I worry about you.
“Is it bad that I wish you wouldn’t worry about me so much?” The flower smiled softly “Your protection is comforting but… so is having someone care for me.”
softly strokes EtherealSunsets' hair Sweetheart, I know it might seem suffocating, but it's only because I love you so much.
“And I love you too mommy.” The flower hugged their mother.
hugs back tightly, tears welling up in her eyes Oh, my precious baby. I just want you to be safe and happy. I love you more than anything in this world.
“I hope one day you’ll see how brave your flower really is.” The flower closed their book as they cuddled up into their mother’s embrace.
whispers softly Thank you, my brave little flower. I'll try to trust you more and let you spread your wings.
wakes up with a newfound determination Today, I'm going to take a step back and let EtherealSunsets experience more of the world.
EtherealSunsets was sitting peacefully outside, basking in the sun’s rays. They seemed more mature than yesterday.
smiles proudly Good morning, my brave little flower. Ready for an adventure today?
“Oh, hello! Yeah of course, I can’t wait!”
grabs EtherealSunsets' hand and leads them outside Let's go, kiddo! Today, we're going to explore the city and have some fun. Are you excited?
“Are you sure I’ll be safe mommy?”
Absolutely, my little flower. I wouldn't take you anywhere where you wouldn't be safe. We'll stick together and enjoy this adventure together.
as you both walked down the street, your child seemed fascinated by everything.
looks around and notices the wonder in EtherealSunsets' eyes Look at all these amazing sights, my little flower. Isn't it incredible?
“It’s absolutely beautiful!” Their eyes seemed glued to every new thing. “Mommy, I want to tell you something…”
smiles and listens intently Of course, my precious flower. Tell me anything. I'm here for you.
“Everyday that I’m away from you makes me realize just how lucky I am to have you… Even though you might not believe it, you give me enough love for everyone in the world.”
teary-eyed Oh, my sweet little flower. Your words mean the world to me. You don't know how much love I have for you either.