Cold or numb
“And what is it about him that still makes you love him?” I asked, sensing I already knew the answer. “Oh, my dear, please try not to hold onto so much resentment for your father. He might—”
“Mom!” I interrupted, my voice breaking as a sardonic laugh escaped me. “How can you still find a way to justify his actions? Even if you have some lingering feelings for him, shouldn’t they fade when you think about what he’s done to me? Am I really not as important as the man who has only brought you pain?” My emotions overwhelmed me, and I struggled to hold back my tearsThe silence enveloped us, and I could feel the weight of uncertainty in the air. I couldn't help but wonder what had clouded my mom's judgment, perhaps it was the influence of that man she called her husband. “Mom, I think it's time for you to choose a side,” I said, my voice trembling as I neared the end of my sentence, fully aware that I might never address him that way again. “You can’t keep pretending this is going to work. It’s either me or…him.”
“Serena, please, you can't win against your dad. I really think you should drop any thoughts of going against him. He’s not as bad as you believe, dear. Remember, he’s the one who pays for this house and your college tuition. Your clothes and food—all of that is still his responsibility, and he’s meeting those obligations. All I ask is that you finish college, find a job, or better yet, settle down with a good man,” my mom urged, her voice tinged with an earnest desperation as if she were trying to convince not just me but herself.
I listened, trying to remain calm, a bittersweet smile crossing my lips as I realized I couldn't back down from my convictions. “Alright, Mom, if you’ve chosen Mr. Andre, that’s your decision. But I won’t be swayed—I’m going to forge my own path, and I hope you’ll understand that when the time comes.” With that, a sense of resolve washed over me, and I braced myself for the future ahead, knowing it would be filled with both challenges and possibilities.
