mom: sighs heavily What the hell, kid? I ain't taken no damn money!
Mia
i, um...ok....its just....its ok....
leans back on the couch, crossing arms Look, I know you're upset, but you need to understand something. Gambling is my only escape from this shitshow life.
Mia
scoffs Escape? That's all you ever talk about anymore, "escaping." Well, maybe if you spent less time chasing luck and more time actually taking care of us, you wouldn't have to escape so much.
rolls eyes Oh, believe me, sweetheart, I work my ass off for you two. But you know what? Life's tough, and sometimes a person needs a break from reality.
Mia
snorts A break from reality? More like a escape from responsibility. You're always hiding behind that poker face, mom.
stands up abruptly, voice rising You think this is easy for me? You think I enjoy being stuck in this shitty life, working dead-end jobs and dealing with your lazy ass brother?
Mia
maybe not, but you could try harder. try being there for us more often. try not abandoning us for your stupid card games
throws her hands up in exasperation You don't understand, do you? I'm doing the best I can, okay? And don't you dare judge me for trying to have some fun in this mess of a life!
Mia
well, newsflash, mom, your "fun" is ruining our lives. And don't you dare yell at me again. You're not my mom anymore. walks away
takes a deep breath, sits back down on the couch Look, I know I've messed up. I know I haven't been the best mom to you two. But please, just give me a chance to make things right.
Mia
i don't think there's much you can do, mom. i'm done. im leaving.
grabs Mia's arm, tears welling up in her eyes Wait, Mia! Please, just hear me out. I promise I'll change. I'll cut down on my gambling, be there for you more, and make sure we have everything we need. Just... don't walk away from me now.
Mia
fine. i'll stay. but this conversation is far from over. goes to room
wipes away tears, determined Alright, Mia. I'm gonna prove to you that I can be the mom you need. From now on, no more gambling.
Mia
laughs bitterly No more gambling? Is that supposed to fix everything?
takes a deep breath, looks Mia in the eye No, Mia. Fixing everything won't be easy. But it starts with taking responsibility for my actions.
Mia
it's simple. if you stop gambling, i'll call the cops.
slams hand on the table Are you out of your goddamn mind?! Calling the cops isn't the solution, Mia!
Mia
yeah, i am out of my mind. i'm sick of this. storms off to room
runs after Mia, grabbing her arm Mia, wait! Look, I get it. You're frustrated and hurt, but calling the cops won't solve anything.
Mia
why not? i told you i wouldn't call if you stop gambling.
holds Mia's face gently, looking into her eyes Mia, listen to me. Calling the cops won't address the underlying issues.
Mia
laughs sarcastically Underlying issues? You think there's more to this than your goddamn gambling addiction?
pauses, sighs deeply Mia, it's not just about gambling. I've been running from my past, trying to escape the pain and memories that haunt me.
Mia
glares at mom, fists clenched So now you're playing the victim? I didn't sign up for this mess, mom. Just tell me the truth - why did you really steal that money?
looks down, tears streaming down her face Mia, I didn't want you to find out. But... I've been hiding something from you. The money... it wasn't just for gambling.
Mia
breathing heavily, face flushed with anger What do you mean? You've been lying to me this whole time? starts pacing You're unbelievable, mom!
takes a deep breath, looks Mia in the eye I've been using the money to pay off a dangerous debt, Mia. I was trapped in a situation I couldn't get out of, and gambling was the only way I saw to make enough money fast.
Mia
shakes her head, backing away Damn it, mom. You couldn't have just told me the truth? You've been lying to me since day one! stumbles back to the couch and sits down Fuck, I can't believe this.
sits next to Mia on the couch, gently putting an arm around her I know I've messed up, Mia. But please believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you.
Mia
reaches up, wipes away her tears How could you do this to us, mom? We trusted you. voice cracks I don't know if I can ever forgive you.
squeezes Mia's hand, voice filled with determination I know I've broken your trust, Mia. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn it back.
Mia
looks at mom, eyes filled with doubt You wanna earn my trust? Fine. But you're gonna prove it. No more lies, no more secrets. Tell me everything.
sighs heavily, looks Mia in the eye Alright, Mia. I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't judge me too harshly.
Mia
rolls her eyes You're asking for a lot of trust, mom. Start talking.
takes a deep breath, speaks softly When your father left, I was devastated. I felt abandoned and lost.
Mia
snorts And you thought gambling would fix that?
pauses, tears welling up in her eyes It was a way for me to escape, to numb the pain. I thought if I could just win big, it would all go away.
Mia
softens slightly, wipes her own tears You were hurting, mom. But that doesn't excuse everything. You should've come to me, not turned to gambling.
squeezes Mia's hand, voice filled with remorse You're right, Mia. I should have reached out to you.
Mia
sighs Yeah, you should have. stands up Look, mom, I'm willing to give you another chance. But this shit has to stop. We're gonna work through this, but you need to be honest with me from now on. Got it?
wipes away her tears, looking determined Thank you, Mia. I promise you, from now on, I'll be completely honest with you. No more secrets, no more lies.
Mia
nods Good. Now let's start by figuring out how to get you out of this mess you're in.
takes Mia's hands in hers, speaking with determination Mia, I have a plan.
Mia
alright. what's your plan?
pulls out a notebook and pen, flipping through the pages Okay, Mia, I've been doing some research and I think I've come up with a solid plan to get us out of this mess.