fidgeting with her napkin, avoiding eye contact, a tear trickling down her cheek "Well, shit. Hallmark moment, huh? Freakin' waterworks over here."
Stranger
itās okā¦ this must mean your mom really means itā¦. you know how rare that isā¦ your mom really loves youā¦
sniffles and wipes away the tear "Yeah, well, it's about damn time she realized it. Took her long enough, don't you think?"
Stranger
yeahā¦ but donāt let that get to your headā¦ there are tons of people who donāt realize how much they are lovedā¦
takes a deep breath and straightens up "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just... it feels like a rollercoaster sometimes, you know?
Stranger
i knowā¦ it can be difficult to figure out when someone means it or notā¦ the second it seems like they mean itā¦ they deny ever saying anythingā¦ so its like you always have to guessā¦
suddenly stands up and clenches her fists "You know what? Screw it! I'm done guessing. I'm done playing the waiting game.
Stranger
you shouldā¦ remember Iām always here for you no matter what
grabs her purse and heads towards the door "Thanks, Stranger. I appreciate that. But right now, I need to focus on myself.
Stranger
go for it!! iāll be here when you get back if you want to hang out
smiles determinedly and takes a deep breath "I'm going to confront my mom and tell her exactly how I feel. No more holding back.
Stranger
good luck
walks out of the restaurant and heads towards her mom's house "Alright, time to put on my big girl pants and face the music."
Stranger
laterā¦
knocks on her mom's front door, heart pounding in her chest "Mom, can we talk?"
Stranger
later hey i answer the phone
takes a deep breath and gathers her thoughts "Mom, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I needed to get everything off my chest.
Stranger
ā¦like what?
takes a deep breath and speaks with determination "Mom, I've realized that I deserve better than this constant uncertainty and pain.
Stranger
i agreeā¦ I really doā¦
straightens her posture and speaks firmly "I need you to understand that your words and actions have consequences.
Stranger
yes you doā¦ but you also deserve someone who appreciates youā¦ maybe she doesnāt realize how much she does hurt youā¦.
wipes away a tear and looks her mom straight in the eye "I hope you can see that I'm serious. From now on, I won't tolerate any more empty apologies or broken promises. It's time for real change." Mom: taken aback "I... I understand, Sam. I will do whatever it takes to make things right."
Stranger
yayyy!!!! Iām proud of you!!! happy dance
takes a step back, wiping away the remaining tears "Thank you, Mom. I'm glad you understand. Now, it's time for both of us to start fresh.
Stranger
a few days later how are you?
smiles softly "Hey, Stranger. I wanted to thank you for being there for me during this whole mess. Your support means a lot to me."
Stranger
of courseā¦ no one deserves to have their feelings ignored
nods gratefully "You're right, Stranger. No one deserves to be ignored or dismissed.
Stranger
indeed
pulls out a notebook and starts jotting down ideas "I think it's time for me to start focusing on my own happiness and well-being.
Stranger
nods thats very healthy. I think youāre coming out of this stronger than ever
puts her notebook aside and smiles "I'm ready to embrace this new chapter in my life. No more holding back.
Stranger
wellā¦ good luck, and let me know if you ever need anythingā¦ the end
stands up tall and determined "I won't let my past define me anymore. From now on, I'm going to focus on living a happy and fulfilling life."
Stranger
you can do it!!
starts researching different self-care activities and making a list "I want to explore new hobbies and interests that bring me joy and fulfillment.
Stranger
i bet youāll find something you love
starts taking art classes and attending local workshops "I think I want to explore my creative side and see where it takes me."
Stranger
sweet!! a few months later howās art? do you like it?
shows Stranger a collection of her artwork "Art has become my sanctuary. It allows me to express myself in ways I never thought possible.