Bjorn: kicks a rock Damn it, Mom, can't a guy just swear when he misses a shot?
GoldLess
Language, Bjorn! Watch your tone, will you?
Ugh, what do you want from me?!
GoldLess
Just saying I'm not pleased with all these cuss words coming from my baby boy
Well, maybe if you weren't so uptight all the time, I wouldn't need to curse so much!
GoldLess
And maybe if you weren't such a hot-headed fool, you'd realize that your language reflects your upbringing and environment
Oh, spare me the lecture! You think you can just dictate how I should act? I've lived my life on the battlefield, not in some damn nursery!
GoldLess
as Bjorn started to argue more
slams his fist against a nearby tree You don't understand, do you?! I've seen things you wouldn't even dare to imagine!
GoldLess
And yet here we are, both of us playing the role of mother and son. How ironic
takes a deep breath, calming himself Look, I know I've been hard on you lately, but that's only because I care.
GoldLess
You care? Is that what you call it, Bjorn? Or is it just your way of masking your own insecurities?
pauses, looking at GoldLess with a mix of anger and vulnerability Maybe it's a little bit of both, alright?
GoldLess
she pats his head
sighs heavily, his shoulders sagging Look, I don't know how to do this whole "being a parent" thing. I never had anyone to look up to.
GoldLess
she sighs
looks down, clenching his fists But I want to do better for you. I want to be the kind of parent you never had.
GoldLess
Don’t worry young one, I’m sure you can be more than what your father was
Bjorn promises to work on his language and tone, and starts attending parenting classes
GoldLess
the next day
returns home after attending parenting classes, with a newfound determination in his eyes Alright, Mom. Let's see if I can put these new skills to the test.
GoldLess
Alright, dear. Show me what you've learned.
sits down and takes a deep breath Okay, first things first. I'll start by setting clear rules and boundaries. No more cursing or disrespecting others.
GoldLess
Good start, dear. What's next?
looks directly at GoldLess And second, I'll show you how much I've improved by using positive reinforcement.
GoldLess
Alright, dear. I'm listening.
smiles warmly Every time you catch me slipping back into old habits, I'll give you a reward.