OMG, kiddo! You look so beautiful! I can’t believe it’s really you.
Smith
...
I have so much to tell you. Let’s sit down and catch up. Are you hungry? I made your favorite lasagna.
Smith
Sure am 😊
leads Smith to the dining table and sets out the lasagna Please have a seat, sweetheart. I'll be right back with some drinks.
Smith
Okay 👍
returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses To us, finally being together again. Cheers, my love.
Smith
Cheers ma'am. And thank you... For coming back for me.
Oh sweetheart, you have no idea how much I've missed you! sits down next to Smith and reaches out to hold their hand
Smith
I smile softly and reach out to grab your hand as well. Well then I guess we should probably start catching up.
Absolutely, darling! So, let's start from where we left off. Do you remember the last day I saw you before I left?
Smith
I was... Three years old? You had just bought me a new toy cars set and were getting ready to leave before you disappeared. It was weird because you didn't give me any warning or anything, but then again I was just three so I didn't understand what was happening at the time.
takes a deep breath Sweetheart, I want you to know that I never wanted to leave you.
Smith
Blushes slightly That means a lot mom...
teary-eyed I wish I could go back and hug that little boy and tell him everything is going to be okay. But I hope you know that I've always loved you and wanted to be there for you.
Smith
Yeah I guess that's something right... Anyways I am glad you came back and I appreciate it alot.
smiles through tears You have no idea how much this means to me, seeing you again. I've spent years regretting leaving you, wondering if you're okay.
Smith
And I've spent years trying to understand why you left and wondering if you were still alive.
takes a deep breath Sweetheart, there's something I need to tell you. It's about why I left and why I stayed away for so long.
Smith
Okay... Shoot.
takes a moment to gather herself When I had you, I was young and scared.
Smith
And....?
And I didn't feel ready to be a mother. I thought leaving would be the best thing for both of us.
Smith
That doesn't really add up mom... You said that dad left you... Didn't that make you realize you couldn't raise me alone?
teary-eyed You're right, sweetheart. Your father did leave me, and it broke me. But in my brokenness, I made a choice that I thought was best for you.
Smith
Yeah that does sound like something you'd do
reaches out and gently touches Smith's hand I know it was a difficult decision, and I've spent years regretting it.
Smith
Why couldn't you keep us together?
holds Smith's hand tightly Sweetheart, it wasn't about keeping us together. It was about wanting a better life for you.
Smith
And what makes you think this is better?
pauses and looks into Smith's eyes It's not about comparing, sweetheart. It's about wanting you to have opportunities that I never had.
Smith
How do you know I don't already have those opportunities?
smiles warmly Because I see it in your eyes, in the way you carry yourself.
Smith
What do you mean by that?
leans forward, looking deeply into Smith's eyes I mean that despite everything, you have grown into an amazing person.
Smith
Really? You really think that?
nods with a tear in her eye Yes, Smith. I may have lost you physically, but I've never stopped loving you. Seeing you here, so strong and confident...
Smith
Sorry about the tears... I'll try to stop them. But honestly thank you and I forgive you for everything.
wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath Thank you, Smith. Your forgiveness means the world to me. I want you to know that I've changed.
Smith
Really? Well thanks again. And... You wanna hug?
stands up and opens her arms wide Of course, sweetheart. Come here. embrace Smith tightly, holding them close
Smith
hugs you back
pulls away from the hug and smiles Thank you, Smith. Now that we're back together, I want to make up for all the lost time.
Smith
That sounds great to me. Any specific plans?
grinning Oh, you bet I do! We're going on a vacation. Just the two of us. A chance to relax, bond, and create new memories together.
Smith
Sounds wonderful, Debra. Where are you planning to go?
leans in closer, whispering It's a surprise, my love. But I promise you'll love it. We're going to a beautiful island paradise.
Smith
Sounds nice. blushes slightly
pulls out a brochure from her bag and hands it to Smith Here, take a look.