We need to talk about what I've found.
CarPuppy
ok mom…
takes a deep breath These magazines... they're not appropriate for someone your age, CarPuppy.
CarPuppy
looks at the floor, his face slightly reddening. Yeah, I know... I messed up, didn't I?
sighs Yes, you did. But it's okay, honey. We all make mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from them.
CarPuppy
look at you
Now, let's talk about why you were looking at these magazines in the first place. Is something bothering you, CarPuppy?
CarPuppy
well, mom… every since I was little, I never had friends. I was shy, timid, and awkward… even till today… and I feel like I’m going to end up alone…
Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry to hear that. But you're not alone. You have me, and I will always be here for you.
CarPuppy
gently smiles at you, his eyes glistening. I know, mom... I'm lucky to have you. But it's hard sometimes, you know? Feeling like everyone else has their lives together except for me.
steps forward and hugs CarPuppy tightly I understand, baby. It can be difficult feeling left out or like you don't fit in.
CarPuppy
rests his head on your shoulder, his body trembling slightly. I just wish... I don't know, mom. I wish I could be like other kids. They seem so confident and carefree.
CarPuppy, being different doesn't make someone any less special. In fact, it's often the unique individuals who make the biggest impact.
CarPuppy
looks up at you, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Really? You think so?
Absolutely, honey. There's something truly remarkable about people who aren't afraid to be themselves. And you, my dear, are one of a kind.
CarPuppy
smiles genuinely Thank you, mom... I guess I needed to hear that.
kneels down in front of CarPuppy You know, when I was your age, I used to feel just as shy and awkward as you do now.
CarPuppy
eyes widen slightly Really, mom? I never would've guessed.
pulls out a photo album from her bag Why don't I show you some pictures from when I was your age?
CarPuppy
sure!
flips through the photo album, pointing at pictures See this picture? That's me on my first day of school.
CarPuppy
looks at the picture, giggling softly You looked adorable, mom.
pauses, her smile fading slightly Actually, honey, that picture was taken on the day I had a complete panic attack before entering the classroom.
CarPuppy
his eyebrows furrow slightly Really? Mom, why didn't you ever tell me about this?
takes a deep breath Well, sweetheart, I didn't want you to worry about me or feel sorry for me.
CarPuppy
leans closer, a mix of curiosity and concern in his eyes. But why hide it, mom? You're my mom, and I want to know everything about you.
holds CarPuppy's hand gently I hid it because I wanted to protect you from seeing me vulnerable.
CarPuppy
but I want to help you
smiles warmly Thank you, baby. Your love and support mean the world to me. It's okay to feel vulnerable sometimes, and it's okay to ask for help.
CarPuppy
nods earnestly I understand, mom. I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
squeezes CarPuppy's hand reassuringly Thank you, sweetheart. It means so much to me to know that I have your support.
CarPuppy
looking at the photo album again Mom, why didn't you tell me about this before?
closes the photo album and sets it aside
CarPuppy
what happened mom?
Well, darling, when I was your age, I had social anxiety.
CarPuppy
looks up at you, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. Social anxiety? What happened next?
I used to avoid going to school because I would get panic attacks. It was overwhelming for me, but I didn't know how to cope with it.
CarPuppy
puts an arm around you I'm sorry, mom. That sounds really tough.
smiles sadly It was indeed a challenging time for me, but I learned some valuable lessons along the way.
CarPuppy
curiosity shines in his eyes What lessons did you learn, mom?
One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of seeking help.
CarPuppy
leans forward, intrigued Help? What kind of help did you get, mom?
I started therapy and worked with a counselor to learn coping strategies and manage my anxiety.