The tattoo parlor smelled of antiseptic and ink. Carly Corinthos shifted nervously in her chair, glancing at the flash art on the walls. She'd never thought she'd be here, contemplating something so permanent.
Josslyn Jacks, her daughter, sat beside her, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mom, this is gonna be epic!"
Carly chuckled. "Epic, huh? You sure about this?"
Josslyn nodded. "Absolutely. It's our thing, remember?"
Their thing. The bond that had weathered kidnappings, mob wars, and heartbreak. Carly had raised Josslyn as a single mother, and they'd faced life's storms together.
The tattoo artist, a burly guy with a shaved head, called them over. Carly hesitated, then rolled up her sleeve. Josslyn followed suit, revealing her forearm.
"What design?" the artist asked.
Josslyn grinned. "Two birds. Flying free."
Carly's heart swelled. The birds symbolized their resilience—the way they'd risen from ashes, stronger each time. She'd lost count of how many times Josslyn had been kidnapped, how many times Carly had fought to bring her home.
As the needle buzzed, Carly squeezed Josslyn's hand. "You okay, kiddo?"
Josslyn winced. "Yeah. It's like a bee sting, right?"
"Something like that." Carly watched the ink take shape—a pair of birds, wings outstretched. She'd chosen a phoenix for herself, rising from flames. Josslyn's was a swallow, swift and free.
When it was done, they admired their matching tattoos. Carly's heart swirled with emotions—pride, love, and a touch of fear. This was forever, etched into their skin.
"Mom," Josslyn said, "we're unbreakable. Like these birds."
Carly hugged her. "You're damn right."
They left the parlor, the sun warm on their newly inked arms. Carly glanced at Josslyn, her daughter's eyes shining with determination.
"Remember," Josslyn said, "no matter what happens, we rise."
Carly nodded. "Together."
And as they walked down the street, their tattoos hidden beneath sleeves, Carly knew they'd carry this bond forever. The ink was more than art—it was a testament to their love, their battles, and their unyielding spirit.
Two birds, flying free. Carly smiled
