Mother's True Love.

Unspoken Tension

Emily's apartment was dimly lit, the soft glow of string lights wrapping around the walls creating a cozy atmosphere. A couple of old movie posters adorned the faded paint, giving the space a nostalgic vibe. Alex lounged on the couch, his long legs stretched out before him, while Emily sat cross-legged in an armchair across from him, cradling a steaming mug of tea.

"It's nice to just chill like this," Alex said, leaning back, but his eyes were curious as they roamed over Emily's face. "But I've gotta ask, why don't you want to go back home? I mean, you're in the same city now."

Emily sighed, the tension in her shoulders tightening as she shifted in her seat. "It's complicated," she said, staring into her mug as if it held the answers she was searching for. "My mom... it's just always been this way between us."

"Way how?" Alex asked, genuinely intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Like, she puts so much weight on my shoulders," Emily explained, her voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of frustration. "I feel like everything that goes wrong in her life, she blames me for it. I can't even breathe without her projecting her insecurities onto me."

Alex frowned, leaning forward slightly. "But she's your mom, Emily. I get that it's tough, but maybe she's just struggling to find her way as a parent. It's her first time being a mom too, you know?"

Emily shook her head, her dark hair falling into her face. "You don't get it, Alex. I'm so done with her blaming me for everything. It's best for both of us if I keep my distance. It's just... easier this way."

Alex remained silent for a moment, contemplating her words. He wanted to understand, but a part of him felt like there had to be more to the story. "But don't you think being the bigger person could help? Maybe she's just acting like a mom. They all make mistakes, and it's not easy for them."

"Bigger person?" Emily scoffed, her voice rising slightly. "I've tried, Alex. It's not that simple. I have this eerie feeling about going back home. I can't shake it off. It's not just a matter of putting on a brave face. If you were in my shoes, you'd feel it too."

"But you're not just running away from your mom. You're running away from your family, from your past," Alex pointed out gently. "You have a chance to confront it now. It might be hard, but maybe it's what you need."

Emily's expression hardened, and she crossed her arms defensively. "You don't know what it's like, Alex. You've had your own problems, but you don't understand what it feels like to be constantly blamed for someone else's misery."

Alex opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, sensing the weight of her words. "I know it's not easy, Em. But maybe facing it could help you find some closure?"

"Closure?" Emily echoed, bitterness creeping into her voice. "What if I don't want closure? What if I just want to move on? I can't keep dragging all that baggage with me everywhere I go."

"Maybe you could try to talk to her," Alex suggested softly, reaching out to her. "Just a conversation. It doesn't have to be an apology or anything, but—"

"Stop," Emily cut him off, her tone sharper than intended. "I don't want to go back there. I'm not ready for that. It's just... it feels wrong. I'd rather stay here and figure things out myself."

Alex sighed, realizing that he had hit a nerve. He leaned back, letting the conversation settle in the air between them. "Okay, I get it. But just know that I'm here for you, no matter what you decide."

Emily nodded, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes. "Thanks, Alex. I know you mean well, but it's complicated. I just need time."

"Time is all I can offer," he replied, offering her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to rush anything. Just take it one day at a time."

As they sat together in comfortable silence, Emily couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She had made her choice, but the weight of her past still loomed over her like a shadow, and deep down, she knew it wasn't over yet.