The evening stars

Ready like never before

Steven and Sophie drove out to the suburbs of Chicago, where her mother Clara lived, in a small cozy two-story house surrounded by greenery. The journey took about half an hour, but Sophie was anxious the whole way. She knew that this visit would not be easy, as she had to tell her mother that she was planning to move to Italy with Steven. It was a big step in her life, and Sophie was anxious about how Clara would react to the news.

— Don't worry, — Stephen said gently, catching her gaze as they approached the house. — Everything will be fine.

Sophie squeezed his hand, trying to pull herself together.

— I hope so. You just don't know my mom. She is always very skeptical about my relationships.

Stephen smiled as he parked the car next to a small garden, well-kept and blooming, as if symbolizing order and stability in Clara's life.

They got out of the car, and Sophie took a deep breath of the cool air, trying to calm herself before the upcoming meeting. In a minute, Clara was already standing at the door, delighted by her daughter's arrival. Externally, Clara looked exactly as Sophie remembered her: a slender woman of fifty with light brown hair, similar to Sophie's, and a kind but slightly stern gaze.

— Mom, hi, — Sophie smiled warmly as she climbed the stairs. She kissed Clara on the cheek and stepped aside, gesturing towards Steven. — This is Steven, my boyfriend.

Clara squinted slightly, carefully examining the man standing in front of her. He looked confident, but not intrusive. With a polite smile, he extended his hand to her.

— Nice to meet you, Mrs. Smith, — Stephen said with a soft accent that still revealed his Italian heritage.

— And me, — Clara replied briefly, shaking his hand, but her gaze remained wary. — Why didn't you let me know that you were coming? Well, come in, don't just stand in the doorway.

They entered the house, and the smell of fresh baked goods enveloped them, creating a warm atmosphere. Clara was clearly preparing something, as if her intuition was telling her that they would come. Sophie sat down on the couch in the living room, next to Stephen. On the walls hung photographs: childhood pictures of Sophie, school graduations, and family celebrations. The house was filled with memories, and every corner felt familiar and cozy.

— You haven't visited in a long time, — Clara began, pouring tea in the kitchen and glancing into the living room. — How are you doing, dear?

Sophie smiled nervously and looked at Steven, who gently squeezed her hand under the table in a sign of support.

— Actually, this visit turned out to be quite spontaneous because I have important news that I want to share with you, — Sophie began. Her voice trembled slightly, but she tried to remain calm. — I am planning to move to Italy. With Steven.

Clara paused, holding a tray with tea, and remained silent for a few seconds. Her gaze lingered on her daughter's face, then shifted to Steven, who seemed to understand how important this moment was for both women.

— To Italy? — Clara asked again, placing the tray on the table and sitting down across from them. — Is this serious? How long ago did you decide that?

— This is serious, Mom. Stephen invited me to go with him; he will take over the family business back in his hometown. I love him, and I am sure this is the right decision, — Sophie replied quietly but firmly, looking into her mother's eyes.

Clara frowned, but without saying a word, she remained silent for a few moments, as if weighing all the pros and cons.

— I always wanted you to be happy, Sophie, — she finally said. — But you understand that moving to another country is a huge step, right? Are you ready for this?

— Yes, I'm ready. Steven takes care of me, and we have already discussed all the details. We will go to Italy, and I will have the opportunity to start a new life there, with him.

Feeling the tension, Stephen decided to intervene.

— Mrs. Smith, I understand that this is a big change, and I respect your feelings. But I want you to know: I love your daughter and I will do everything to make her happy. Sophie will be able to do what she loves in our company. You can always come to visit us whenever you want.

Clara was silent for a long time, pondering his words, then she nodded.

— I see that you are sincere, — she said softly, with a gentle smile. — And if Sophie is truly happy with you, then I won't stand in her way.

Sophie felt a sense of relief. Her mother was always strict, but deep down she only wished the best for her. Rising from her seat, Sophie approached Clara and hugged her tightly.

— Thank you, Mom, — she whispered. — It means a lot to me. I hope you can come to visit us soon.

— I will always be by your side, dear, — Clara replied, stroking her back. — Just be happy. This is the most important thing.

After this emotional scene, they continued their conversation over tea. Clara shared the latest news from their neighborhood, while Steven confidently kept the conversation going, doing everything to make Clara feel comfortable in his presence. In saying goodbye, Clara made it clear that she supports Sofia's decision, albeit with regret that her daughter is leaving so far away.