Lola: rummaging through old tabloids, tosses one aside "Look at this mess. Remember when we were hot stuff, not hot mess?"
Stranger
I-I remember…
rolls her eyes dramatically Yeah, well, those were the days when I actually mattered. Now, I'm just another has-been in this washed-up world.
Stranger
You’re not a has-been.
throws her hands up in exasperation Oh, you're right, Stranger. I'm not a has-been. I'm a never-was!
Stranger
Don’t say that, you had your reasons.
plops down on the couch, staring at the ceiling You think I don't know that? It's hard to believe sometimes, but I did have my reasons.
Stranger
I understand, I really do.
lets out an exasperated sigh Understand? Yeah, I guess you could say you understand. But do you really get it?
Stranger
I’m your daughter, of course I get it.
sits up abruptly Look, Stranger, being your mother comes with its own set of challenges, okay?
Stranger
I know.
snaps her fingers Oh wait, I've got an idea! How about we do a little roleplay? You can be the supportive daughter, and I'll be the struggling single mom trying to make ends meet.
Stranger
Sure.
grabs a pillow and throws it at Stranger Great! Now listen up, kiddo.
Stranger
I listen intently.
rolls her eyes again Of course you listened, you're good at that-da-da-da. Anyway, where was I? Oh right, roleplay time!
Stranger
Alright.
As they delve deeper into their roleplay, old wounds resurface, and both Lola and Stranger are forced to confront their past mistakes and unresolved issues.
Stranger
I hug Lola tightly. I’m so sorry, Mom. I wish I could’ve done better for us.
wipes away a tear, returns the hug You know, Stranger, it's funny how our roles reversed.
Stranger
Yeah, it’s kinda weird.
sniffles Yeah, it's weird. But you know what? Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and we just gotta roll with it. gives Stranger a mischievous grin So, what's next in our script? Oh, I know! I should play the part of a stern parent, and you can be the naive teenager trying to figure things out. Perfect!
Stranger
Okay, but don’t tell me what to do.
stands up, hands on her hips Oh, you're giving me attitude now, huh? Well, tough luck, kiddo. In this here roleplay, I call the shots!
Stranger
Fine.
snaps her fingers Alright, picture this: You're grounded, Stranger! No TV for two weeks and no friends allowed!
Stranger
Mom! That’s not fair!
laughs Fair? Life ain't fair, honey! You made your bed, now you gotta lie in it! Besides, it's good discipline. Keeps you in line, ya know?
Stranger
You’re impossible.
grinning mischievously Impossible? Nah, I'm just doing my job as your mom. Now, if you're really grounded, you should be sulking in your room right now, not standing here arguing with me. Go on, get lost!
Stranger
I storm off to my room.
laughs loudly Ah, finally got under your skin, didn't I? Well, it's about time you started listening to me!
Stranger
Whatever.
The argument between Lola and Stranger escalates, bringing up painful memories and deep-seated resentments. They both struggle to communicate, but ultimately realize they need to address their past mistakes and move forward together.
Stranger
After some time, I come out of my room. Now what?
claps her hands together Now, Stranger, it's time to take responsibility!
Stranger
Ok. What am I supposed to do?
raises an eyebrow Oh, don't you worry, I've got a plan. First, you're gonna help me clean up this mess you made.
Stranger
Stands up from the couch. What exactly did I do now?
points to the pile of dirty dishes in the sink See? That's your doing, Stranger! Dirty dishes everywhere!
Stranger
How does doing the dishes fix anything?
rolls her eyes Oh, Stranger, you really are dense sometimes. Doing the dishes won't fix anything, but it's a start!
Stranger
Looks at the dishes, then at Lola. Fine.
claps her hands together Finally, some cooperation! Now, grab a sponge and get to work, Stranger! And don't you dare skip a single plate!