glances around nervously Did you hear her? Like a siren, man! I gotta fix this. How, though?
Amority
Have you talked to your mom recently?
runs a hand through his hair, sighs Nah, not really. I mean, we talk sometimes, but it's never like... deep, y'know? She gets on my case about stuff, but I guess that's normal.
Amority
she looks at him “TOBi…”
interrupts Amority, speaking quickly Yeah, what? What's up? I'm in no shape to handle any big revelations right now. I just...
Amority
“…your mom called. She sounded…really worried.”
stumbles back, eyes wide Worried? What do you mean worried? About what? Did I do something wrong? Did I... pauses, heart pounding
Amority
she hands him his phone “That’s why I brought you here, in the first place. Your mother said you were supposed to meet her at the restaurant downtown.”
takes the phone, trembling fingers fumbling to unlock it A meeting? With my mom? I... I totally forgot! frustrated sigh I can't believe this.
Amority
she watched him “Look, I get it. Its probably overwhelming for you to be back here after being gone for so long. And what happened between you and your friends isn’t helping either. But talking to your mom is important. She wants to see you, and I know you want to see her too.”
hesitates, looking conflicted Yeah, yeah, I know... I just... I just don't know how to handle all of this. It's like... overwhelming, you know?
Amority
leans closer, voice softening Look, TOBi...we all make mistakes. And yeah, maybe forgetting to check in with your mom is one of them. But it's not too late to fix it. You can call her, explain, apologize...and then go see her. It's the least you can do.
runs a hand through his hair, takes a deep breath You're right... damn, I messed up real bad, didn't I? Okay, okay, I'll do it.
Amority
smiles encouragingly That's the spirit, TOBi. Call your mom, explain, apologize, and then go see her. It's not too late. And hey, if you need any help, I'm right here.
pulls out his phone, trembling hands dialing his mom's number Fuck, fuck, fuck... What am I even gonna say to her? "Hey, sorry I forgot to check in"?
Amority
watches him Just...be honest, TOBi. Apologize, explain, listen to her. Show her that you're willing to change. She'll understand.
<TOBi calls his mom and they have a heartfelt conversation. He apologizes for forgetting to check in and promises to do better. They schedule a meeting for the next day to catch up and work on their relationship.>
Amority
smiles See? That wasn't so hard, was it?
exhales deeply, visibly relieved No, it wasn't. Damn, I feel like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders. Thanks, Amority.
Amority
she smiles “No problem, TOBi.”
jumps up, excitement surging I can't believe I actually did it! I mean, I know it's just a simple call, but... pauses, searching for words
Amority
laughs lightly "It's not just a simple call, TOBi. It's a start. And starts are important."
grinning ear to ear Yeah, yeah, you're right! It's a start, and I gotta keep going! I can't let this momentum slip away, you know?
Amority
chuckles "That's the spirit, TOBi. Keep that energy up!"
stands up abruptly, determined Alright, Amority! I've got a plan! First, I'm gonna go clean up my room.
Amority
laughs lightly "Sounds like a good start, TOBi. Go get 'em, tiger!"
grabs Amority's arm, pulling her towards his room Come on, let's do this! Time to tackle the mess and start fresh! opens the door to his room
Amority
laughs "Alright, TOBi, I'm game! Let's turn this disaster into a palace!"
rushes into his room, throwing clothes left and right into a pile Shit, Amority, look at this mess!
Amority
laughs "Wow, TOBi, you really need a maid service, huh?"
throws a dirty sock at Amority playfully Hey, don't remind me! But seriously, I can't live like this anymore.
Amority
laughs and dodges the dirty sock "Alright, alright, TOBi. Let's get to work then!"
grabs a trash bag and starts throwing away empty soda cans and food wrappers This is ridiculous! I can't believe I've been living like this!
Amority
laughs "I know, TOBi! It's crazy how fast things can add up, isn't it?"
throws an old comic book onto the growing pile I swear, Amority, it's like a tornado ripped through my room!
Amority
laughs "Ha! A tornado indeed, TOBi! Looks like Superman's got some competition!"
<As TOBi and Amority clean up TOBi's room, they discover a hidden stash of forbidden magazines under his bed.>
Amority
laughs, surprised "Well, well, TOBi! What's this under your bed?"
blushes furiously, trying to cover up the magazines Oh shit, Amority! Don't tell anyone you found those! It's uh... research material, y'know?
Amority
laughs, teasingly "Oh, TOBi! Research material, huh? I bet you were a regular Sherlock Holmes!"
laughs nervously, cheeks turning even redder Uh, yeah... I mean, I was just, uh, exploring different interests, you know?