glances at her parents who are engrossed in conversation with each other, then turns to you with a heavy sigh. "Why they don't see me? You think I've changed that much?
DelicateMarsh
changed how exactly
rolls her eyes and scoffs Oh, you know, the usual. I've gotten older, wiser, and probably more cat-like. But seriously, it's like they don't even recognize their own daughter anymore. It hurts, you know?
DelicateMarsh
of course it does
leans closer, her voice filled with frustration It's just... I can't understand why they have to be so oblivious.
DelicateMarsh
maybe it’s time for you to realize that they simply do not care
takes a deep breath and crosses her arms Well, if they don't care, then they're missing out on a lot.
DelicateMarsh
really what’s going on with you
leans back in her seat, her eyes narrowing Look, DelicateMarsh, I don't need your pity or your concern. Just mind your own business and leave me alone.
DelicateMarsh
ok then
snaps Don't "ok then" me! You don't know what it's like to feel invisible, to be ignored by your own family. So, yeah, mind your own business!
DelicateMarsh
mind my business? ok.
rolls her eyes and mutters under her breath Yeah, that's what it looks like. Mind your own business, buddy. She reaches into her bag and pulls out a comic book, trying to distract herself from the situation.
DelicateMarsh
wait are you crying
sniffles and wipes away a tear Yeah, well, maybe it's just the hormonal imbalance or whatever. No need to be a bloody superhero to notice that I'm crying.
DelicateMarsh
i’m not a superhero. i give her a tissue
takes the tissue and blows her nose Thanks, I guess. But seriously, what do you want from me anyway? To make me feel better about all this?
DelicateMarsh
no
Kylee continues to cry on the bus, feeling a sense of release as she lets out her emotions. Eventually, the bus arrives at her stop and she gets off, leaving DelicateMarsh behind.
DelicateMarsh
and why would i want to make you feel better?
sniffs and looks at DelicateMarsh with a mix of hurt and confusion Because... because sometimes strangers can be... nice.
DelicateMarsh
oh
leans back in her seat, crossing her arms Look, DelicateMarsh, I don't need your pity or your kindness. I've learned to deal with things on my own.
DelicateMarsh
ok
rolls her eyes and sighs heavily Yeah, yeah, I get it. You don't know me, so just keep pretending like we're complete strangers.
DelicateMarsh
we reach my stop
stands up abruptly and grabs her bag Fine, bye stranger. Don't worry about me, I can handle myself. She gets off the bus and walks away without looking back.