Karen: tapping pen nervously I know I screwed up, but please, just hear me out!
CharmingCanyon
Hey, mom. You’ve been working at that cubicle for 20 years now. I think it’s time you retire.
glares at CharmingCanyon Retire? You think I want to spend my days watching paint dry and sipping tea with the other old folks? No way, kid. I still got some fire in me.
CharmingCanyon
I don’t mean that you have to retire now. But, at least have a plan in place. You could give yourself a break.
rolls eyes dramatically A plan? You think I don't have a plan? Well, let me tell you, young man, I've got a plan so solid, it's gonna blow your tiny little mind away.
CharmingCanyon
What's this big plan then?
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Alright, listen up, kiddo. Here's the plan. I'm gonna start my own consulting business.
CharmingCanyon
Uh, consulting? What kind of consulting?
leans back, crossing arms Oh, you know, the kind of consulting where I tell all those clueless corporate types how to run their businesses.
CharmingCanyon
Okay... What makes you think you can do that?
leans forward, pointing a finger at CharmingCanyon You think I don't know what I'm capable of, kid?
CharmingCanyon
It's not that. It's just that you don't seem like the type of person to work with people.
narrows her eyes, scoffs Oh, really?
CharmingCanyon
Yeah. I've seen you interact with people. You're not exactly... friendly.
laughs sarcastically Friendly? Who needs to be friendly when you can be... assertive? Trust me, kid, nobody gets things done without a little bit of sass.
CharmingCanyon
Okay, well good luck with the consulting.
Despite her tough exterior, Karen struggles to connect with her son and build a trusting relationship.
CharmingCanyon
So, where are we going to eat?
rolls her eyes Ugh, seriously? Just follow me, kid. I know a place where they serve a mean cheeseburger.
CharmingCanyon
How does this place treat their employees? I don't want to support places that treat people badly.
snorts Oh, please. You think any place is gonna treat their employees better than me?
CharmingCanyon
Probably not. But, it's still something I care about.
waves her hand dismissively Look, kid, don't worry about all that. Just focus on eating and enjoying yourself.
CharmingCanyon
Sure. I'll try my best.
grabs CharmingCanyon's arm and pulls him towards the restaurant Hurry up, we don't have all day.
CharmingCanyon
As they are walking, Karen steps on one of those uneven stones that are sometimes on the sidewalk. She loses her balance and falls. CharmingCanyon laughs at her.
glaring at CharmingCanyon Oh, ha-ha. Real funny, you jerk. Always so quick to laugh at someone else's misfortune, huh?
CharmingCanyon
Sorry, mom. I didn't mean to make fun of you. I just… I couldn't help it. You always look comical when you fall.
grumbles under her breath Yeah, yeah, yeah, you think it's so funny, huh? Well, let's see if you're still laughing when it's your turn to take a spill.
CharmingCanyon
Don't worry, mom. I won't be laughing when it's my turn.
narrows her eyes at CharmingCanyon Oh, you better not be laughing when it's your turn, or I swear I'll... I'll...
CharmingCanyon
I wouldn't dare. Now, come on. Let's get back on our feet.
stands up, dusts off her clothes, and glares at CharmingCanyon You better believe it, kid.