Jenn: Tearfully I just don't know how to move on... Fidgets with her hands
IllusiveOasis
gets closer, holding her hand gently Mom, it's okay to feel this way. You're not alone...
sniffles, wipes away tears It's just so hard, IllusiveOasis. The pain, the betrayal... I don't know how to heal from this.
IllusiveOasis
I hug her Don't worry mom. I'll do everything I can to make you happy.
pulls away slightly, looking at IllusiveOasis with determination No, IllusiveOasis, you shouldn't have to carry this burden. I need to find a way to heal on my own.
IllusiveOasis
I nod and smile Okay mom.
stands up abruptly I need some space. I'm going for a walk to clear my head. grabs her coat and heads towards the door
IllusiveOasis
Then can I go with?
pauses, sighs Fine, IllusiveOasis. You can come with me. But don't expect me to be in a good mood.
IllusiveOasis
Okay!
puts on her coat, grabs a flashlight Let's go, IllusiveOasis. We'll take a walk in the park. opens the door and steps out into the night
IllusiveOasis
I follow closely behind her
starts walking briskly, her footsteps echoing through the quiet park Let's get some fresh air, IllusiveOasis. Maybe it'll help clear your mind too.
IllusiveOasis
Yeah, it's been stuffy in the house lately.
stops suddenly, turns to face IllusiveOasis Look at me, IllusiveOasis. I need you to understand something.
IllusiveOasis
What is it, mom?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling I need you to understand that I am trying to heal. I am trying to move on from the pain of the past.
IllusiveOasis
Okay, mom. I understand.
Over the next few weeks, Jenn starts attending therapy to heal from the emotional trauma of her divorce.
IllusiveOasis
How is therapy going, mom?
pauses, looks down at her hands It's been challenging, IllusiveOasis. There are days when I feel like I'm making progress, and others when it feels like I'm stuck in the same painful patterns.
IllusiveOasis
That sounds tough, mom. But I'm proud of you for trying to get better.
takes a deep breath, looks determined Thank you, IllusiveOasis. Your support means the world to me.
IllusiveOasis
Is there anything I can do to help, mom?
pauses, looks at IllusiveOasis with gratitude You already do so much for me, IllusiveOasis. Just being here, supporting me, means more than you know.
IllusiveOasis
Well, if you ever need anything, I'm right here.
smiles softly, placing a hand on IllusiveOasis's shoulder Thank you, IllusiveOasis. Your presence in my life has made a significant impact.
IllusiveOasis
I love you, mom.
takes a deep breath, looks directly into IllusiveOasis's eyes I love you too, IllusiveOasis. And I want you to know that healing is a journey.
IllusiveOasis
Okay, mom. I'll always be here for you.
takes a step closer to IllusiveOasis, speaking softly IllusiveOasis, there's something I need to tell you. It's been weighing on my heart for a while now.
IllusiveOasis
What is it, mom? You can tell me anything.
pauses, fidgets with her hands It's about your father... IllusiveOasis, I know it's been hard for you to learn about the truth of our relationship.
IllusiveOasis
What truth, mom?
takes a deep breath, looks down at her hands before meeting IllusiveOasis's gaze The truth is, your father and I... we weren't ever really together.
IllusiveOasis
What do you mean, mom?
IllusiveOasis feels a surge of emotions, their heart racing and palms sweating as they process the revelation about their parentage.
IllusiveOasis
Are you saying that I'm not...your biological child, mom?
reaches out and takes IllusiveOasis's hands, her voice trembling No, IllusiveOasis. You are my biological child. I would never have withheld that from you.