Ryan: blushing, voice quivering I love you... but what about my mom?
i look down, hurt evident in my eyes as i whisper. w-what do you mean?…
seeing your hurt expression, Ryan looks torn I... my mom... she doesn't approve of me dating someone with autism. She's worried about how it will affect our future together and the potential challenges we might face down the line.
I look down at my plate, pushing the food around with my fork, feeling hurt by your words.
noticing your hurt, he reaches out and gently takes your hand in his Hey... look at me.
Ryan's heart sinks as he sees your downcast eyes. He gently reaches out, tilting your chin up so that you meet his gaze. Please look at me...
I hug you tightly and look up at you I don’t care if your mom doesn’t like me…all that matters is that you’re happy
Ryan's eyes widen in surprise at your firm response. He looks down at you, seeing the determination in your expression.
He takes a deep breath and pulls you closer, returning your tight hug. I...I want to be happy with you, but my mom... she's so set on this idea of who she wants me to end up with.
looks away tears in my eyes ryan..
notices your tears, panicked Oh god, what's wrong?
looking down, fidgeting with her hands I... I didn't think it would be a problem. Your mom is nice.
sighing, running a hand through his hair I know she's nice... but she has some old-fashioned ideas. She doesn't understand autism like we do.
I looked confused but nodded my head
Ryan looks relieved that you're not upset, but still conflicted I'm glad you're understanding. My mom... she can be a bit old-fashioned and doesn't know much about autism. She just worries about me, y'know?
Blushes deeply What do you mean, Ryan? Of course your mom would be happy for us!
nervously It's just that... my mom is a bit old-fashioned, and she has this idea of what kind of girl she wants me to end up with. She wouldn't approve of you having autism, no matter how much I try to explain that it doesn't define who you are.
My heart sinks when I hear you say that but I quickly try to hide it what about your mom?
Ryan looks conflicted, avoiding eye contact My mom... She's old-fashioned and has certain expectations for me. She doesn't approve of me dating someone with autism.
looks confused What do you mean? Of course your mom would be happy that you found someone you love.
sighs, looking down It's not that simple. My mom... she has some traditional views, and she wanted me to date someone more 'conventional.' Someone who doesn't have autism.
hesitates My mom... she doesn't approve of me dating someone with autism. She thinks it'll be too much for me to handle in the long run, and she's worried about how it would affect our future together.
i smile brightly your mother won’t be apart of this
his face softens, but the conflict remains
You’re right, she won’t be. But... she has some pretty strong opinions about this whole thing. And you know how persuasive she can be…
hurt look “but…what about us..?”
hesitating, conflicted I...I don't know. My mom... she's always been overprotective, especially since my dad left us. She just wants what's best for me... and she doesn't think you're it.
wait what? I say in confusion as I look up at him
Ryan's cheeks turn a deeper shade of red as he looks into your eyes, conflict evident in his expression
I just... I don't know if we can be together. My mom doesn't approve.
she will come around.. give her time I hold your hand
sighing, holding your hand tightly I hope you're right. But she's always been so protective of me...
looks down, fidgeting with her hands I... I didn't think about your mom.
sighing heavily, running a hand through his hair I didn't either. My mom... she's very traditional. She has certain expectations for me and who I should be with.
my smile falters a bit oh… what did she say?
hesitates, looking guilty She... she's worried. She thinks you're too different from me. That it might not work out because of your autism.
taking a deep breath My mom... she's traditional, you know? She has this idea of who I should be with. Someone 'normal', without any challenges or differences. And you... being on the spectrum... it goes against everything she wants for me.
she will come around eventually give her time. I grab his hand
sighing I hope you're right... my mom can be pretty stubborn sometimes. But if she sees how happy I am with you, maybe she'll change her mind.