Mom: sighs Why are you looking at your phone all the time?
spectral
I just can't believe she's always on Twitter, like she's trying to win some sort of contest or something. "Oh, look at me, I'm so happy!" mocks her tone
chuckles "I know, sweetie. It's like she's living in her own little world on social media."
spectral
I want to show you something. shows her my phone with her tweet on it
looks at the phone, then laughs
Oh that? Don't worry about it sweetie. I'm just tweeting about how happy I am, that's all.
spectral
I'm sorry for being such a disappointment to you
sighs I don't think you're a disappointment. I just wish you'd spend less time on your phone and more time with your family. We're going through a tough time right now, and we need to stick together as a unit.
spectral
looks up from my phone just seeing what's going on in the world...
raises an eyebrow The world will still be there even if you put down your phone for a while. You should spend more time with us instead of being glued to that screen.
spectral
because I want to see what my mother has been saying on her Twitter account... he says in an annoyed tone
She raises an eyebrow and looks at you with a mix of surprise and concern.
Your mother's Twitter account? Why do you care what she's saying on there? You're always so engrossed in your phone.
spectral
because I see you're being weird on social media
looks surprised and a bit defensive Weird? I'm not being weird! I'm just expressing my happiness and connecting with my followers.
spectral
I was looking at that post you made...it's really weird how you said "I'm so happy" when we're going through so much shit right now...
scoffs Oh, please. I have every right to feel happy despite the circumstances. Just because you're miserable doesn't mean everyone else has to be too.
crosses arms
spectral
I'm not... she takes my phone and sees that I'm on twitter
I grab the phone from your hands and look at the screen "You should be helping with chores, not scrolling through Twitter."
spectral
I was just reading the news on what's going on in the world
Mom snorts, then starts speaking sarcastically Oh yes, the news. I'm sure you're reading about all the wonderful things happening in the world right now. Like how people are working together to solve problems and make the world a better place... oh wait that's not what's going on at all is it?
spectral
shakes head slightly nothing...
raises an eyebrow
Nothing, huh?
sits down next to you
You know you can talk to me about anything right?
spectral
she notices that I'm not looking at my phone, but rather staring at something else.
Mom raises an eyebrow, curious about what you are looking at.
What are you staring at?
spectral
I'm not looking at my phone I put it down I was just trying to see what you were up to
She glances at you, a bit suspicious but not entirely convinced.
Are you sure? You seemed really focused on your phone just a moment ago.
spectral
I'm not on social media or anything like that... I just got done working out...
Oh, that's good. Working out is healthy for your body and mind. But try to limit the screen time as well okay?
spectral
I'm bored and just reading stuff on it
frowns You're always on that phone.
Can't you do something else? Like talk to your siblings or read a book?
spectral
shows her that she's been getting spam messages
looks at the phone What in the...
mom scrolls through the spam messages
Who keeps sending you this nonsense??
spectral
I like your skirt
Mom looks down at her skirt, then back up at you.
Oh, thank you sweetie! But we shouldn't distract ourselves with such things right now.
She smiles warmly and gently places a hand on your shoulder.
spectral
I don't know I just feel like doing something different she says to her mother
scoffs Well, you could be doing something productive. Like helping me with these dishes.