Stranger to stranger

Completely transparent

John's health has been stuck in my head for the past minutes I've been walking. I wonder what is causing him this physical pain. If only I had his number or his address. I would call him immediately to tell him what I saw. He doesn't seem like quite himself lately. It's probably because of his problems going on. His birthday is Monday, so I could try to cheer him up then. I'll have to find his daughter to bring her to him. Maybe she'll help him get better while he's not doing the best. I'll have to look up her name on the internet. I go up the stairs of my house and open the door. Like usual, all the curtains are down and the lamp in the corner of the room is lit. My mom is reading again, but not her book. She's holding the fake letters I put in her office. I close the door behind me and drop my backpack on the floor. She looks up to stare straight into my eyes with no emotions to be perceived.

-I received a call from your school saying you skipped fourth period because of an appointment at the dentist. How was it?

She tilts her head with a slight smile. I've never been scared of my mom's anger. Usually, she always does the same. Sends me to my room and forgets about it the next morning. But, this time, I have no idea of how this is going to end.

-I'm...

-Listen. You've always had great grades in school. I don't mind you skipping school. But finding out my daughter lied to me by the director of her school is embarrassing. I bet you invented those friends too. I chose to not see all the signs of lies. When it was still raining about an hour and a half after you went to the movies, I came to pick you up. I waited an hour in front of the movie theater. For a moment, I thought something bad had happened to you. I called you multiple times but you never answered. I just went home thinking you'll come back eventually. Luckily, you did. Where were you that day? That said, where were you today?

She looks at me furious. I can't even look her in the eyes.

-Answer me.

My eyes turn to the lamp in the corner.

-I was at an art gallery.

She rubs her eyes with her fingers in dissatisfaction.

-You were searching for those letters again, weren't you.

I can't stop looking at the lamp. I can't look her in the eyes and face the consequences of my lies.

-When the director called, I thought you went out with your friends. As your mom, I know you would never skip school because of friends. I thought you were searching for your letters in some place I wouldn't know. I wanted to read the letters and find you, but they are fake. Aren't they?

I nod my head in a silent approval.

-I thought we agreed to be better to each other.

-Better to each other?

I look straight in her eyes. Before, I was scared of her, but now the tables have turned. She's the one looking down. I know she's aware of the way she's been all but a friend to me in the past days. How ironic of her to say that.

-Aren't you the one who took my letters and hid them in your office to keep me from going outside and doing something of my life for once. You want me to stay in my room forever, don't you? Well, you did a great job by locking me up in the hell hole of a house. At least, you thought you did.

-I was trying to protect you and keep you from getting hurt.

-Really mom? keep me from getting hurt? Or are you scared I won't come back just like Elon did.

She looks back at me, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. She looks at the window while staying silent and playing nervously with her lips.

-You can't keep me locked in the house out of fear, mom. You can't control what event might happen when I cross the door. I'm willing to take the chance and go into the unknown and you won't keep me from doing it. Either you stay in fear or you move on.