So, I heard from your principal you've been causing a stir at school. Care to explain?
Wellindc
My classmate said that they saw me kissing another girl on Valentine’s Day. But I was trying to figure out what it meant when all those feelings were overwhelming me. It’s not like I chose for that to happen…
narrows her eyes Is this true? Did you kiss someone without consent?
Wellindc
Of course not. She was my best friend at the time, and we were experimenting with our feelings and identities. We didn’t think it would mean anything.
softens her gaze Well, it sounds like you and your friend were going through a confusing time. Have you talked about it since then?
Wellindc
Yes, we did. And we both realized that we didn’t know who we were yet. We just knew that there were girls that we were attracted to.
smiles gently It can be difficult to navigate those feelings, especially during a time when you're trying to figure out who you are.
Wellindc
Yeah… I didn’t know that I was gay until a couple of months ago.
sits down next to Wellindc Well, honey, I want you to know that I love you no matter what.
Wellindc
I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you…
puts a hand on Wellindc's shoulder Sweetheart, you could never embarrass me. I'm your mother, and I'll always be here for you.
Wellindc
What did Dad say about that?
Your father... well, he's not quite as open-minded as I am. He's having a hard time wrapping his head around it.
Wellindc
That makes sense. He always does things in his own way.
pauses, thinking I think it might be helpful if we have a conversation with your father together.
Wellindc
Do you want me to talk to him alone first? Or should we all talk together?
Let's start by having a conversation as a family. We can sit down together and express our feelings and concerns.
Wellindc
Ok
stands up, takes Wellindc's hand Come on, let's go find your father and have that conversation. I'll be right by your side, honey.
Wellindc
Taking her hand back Thanks…Mom. But where’s Dad?
smiles reassuringly Don't worry, sweetie. Your father is probably out in the backyard having a cigar and enjoying some fresh air.
Wellindc
Does he do that often?
laughs softly Oh, yes! Your father loves his cigars. He likes to unwind outside after a long day. Let's go join him, shall we?
Wellindc
Alright
leads Wellindc outside to the backyard Here he is, honey. Take a seat and I'll introduce you to your father.
Wellindc
We both sit down. Hey Dad…
takes a deep breath Sweetheart, we need to talk about something important. It's about your father and me... and our marriage.
Wellindc
Umm, ok? What’s wrong?
looks down, fidgeting with her hands Well, honey, your father and I have been having some problems lately... in our marriage.
Wellindc
And why is that?
takes a deep breath Your father and I have been growing apart... We don't communicate as much as we used to, and we haven't been happy together for a while now. Dad: sighs Yeah, it's true. We've been drifting apart, and I hate to admit it, but we've been considering divorce.
Wellindc
Wait, what!?
places a comforting hand on Wellindc's knee I know this may come as a shock to you, honey, but we're doing what we believe is best for our family.
Wellindc
But I thought you guys were happy together?
looks Wellindc in the eyes Sweetheart, appearances can be deceiving. We may seem happy on the surface, but deep down, we're both unhappy.
Wellindc
Pauses for a moment So… how long have you guys been feeling this way?
exhales deeply It's been a few years now... the love and connection we once had started fading away, and we didn't know how to fix it.