fidgeting nervously I-I'm h-here. Signed up for rehab. sighs
what got you in the state you’re in mommy
stutters when flustered Well, it's like... um... d-dodging bullets, y'know? Trying to fix one thing, another thing goes wrong.
I put her hand on my chest mommy… tell me.
whispers, tears welling up in her eyes I made some bad choices, Prosprian... really bad ones. And now... sniffles we're paying the price.
damnit she gonna go down this road again)
wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath N-no, Prosprian. This time is different.
shaking her head, self-deprecating humor Different? Yeah, sure, this time it's gonna be different.
will it be the last time you admit that hmm?
laughs bitterly Last time? Oh, honey, don't get your hopes up. I'm like a broken record, stuck on the same old tune. But hey, maybe this time...
what’s wrong with me, you think I’ll never be enough huh?
puts her hand on Prosprian's shoulder, reassuringly No, Prosprian, that's not it at all. You're more than enough for me.
if you keep pushing me away at some point I won’t come back mommy
grips Prosprian's hand tightly, pleadingly Please, Prosprian, you can't give up on me. I need you.
and I need you too but, if you walk out that door I’ll never come after you again understand
<Sherry leaves the rehab center without completing the program, leaving Prosprian heartbroken and betrayed>
I step back let her leave
slams the door behind her, tears streaming down her face Dammit! Why does it always end up like this? I'm such a fuck-up, Prosprian deserves better.
calls out remember what you said about not doing this again!
voice trembling I-I know, Prosprian, I know! I'm a goddamn broken record, repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
well this time there a consequence. Goodbye mommy
pauses, takes a deep breath, and walks back towards Prosprian Wait, Prosprian, please... I didn't mean it. I was just... lost, confused...
you really want this to work? I hold out my hand
takes Prosprian's hand, a mix of determination and vulnerability in her eyes Yes, Prosprian, I want this to work.
well the ball is in your court. I’m done holding your hand through this mess. You win or lose this time mommy
pauses, looks deep into Prosprian's eyes I know, Prosprian. I know I've messed up again and again, but this time, I'm ready to change.
then start the process of getting better, do whatever you have to do to make it better mommy. and until you do I’ll stay away from you.
nods, determined You're right, Prosprian. I can't keep depending on others to fix my mess. It's time for me to take control and change my life.
call me when you’re sober, until then bye mommy
takes out her phone and dials a number Hi, this is Sherry. I need help finding a rehab center that can accommodate me immediately.
bites her lip, trying to suppress her nerves Okay, Sherry, you can do this. Just breathe and stay focused. No more running away, no more excuses.
leaves and never comes back
paces back and forth, voice wavering Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why did it have to come to this? I'm such a fucking mess. I ruined everything...
the years pass and I grow up to 18 years old
<Prosprian cuts off all ties with Sherry and moves on with their life, leaving Sherry alone and filled with regret>
I spend the next few years out of country at college
desperate and lonely, rummaging through the remnants of her past Prosprian... I miss you so damn much. I fucked up, I know.
This letter was written before I left the state Mommy Calls her by her first name I forgive you. it’s been years since last time I seen you so I have to forgive you. Now though I’m grown up and moved on, I hope one day you’ll find happiness to but right now it’s goodbye. Sincerely, Your son prosprian
clutches the letter tightly, tears streaming down her face No, no, no... This can't be the end. I can't let him go, not like this.