It was a random day, random hour. But I’ll never forget it. 145Please respect copyright.PENANAo7QvI93J1e
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I had gotten in trouble with my parents when I was 14. I had tried vaping for the first time, only because of the crushing judgement of my peers. I didn’t want them to think I was scared. I wanted them to think I’m cool, that I’m one of them. That I’m an equal. So, I tried it. Didn’t like it. Hid the vape in my bedroom, between my mattress and the box spring. Of course, my mom found it due to her routine of going through my room while I’m away at my dad’s house. 145Please respect copyright.PENANAJbmAIp9u0O
When I came home, my cheek met my mother’s hand. Hard. After about an hour and a half of being screamed at, of sobbing and begging, I decided to stand my ground for once. And it went like this:145Please respect copyright.PENANAPAoV7pWzhF
Mom: “Why can’t you just be a normal daughter and not torture me with your behavior?! What did I do to deserve a child like you?! Huh?!” She asked me, saying it like it was an actual question I could answer. I stood up violently, my tear stained cheeks suddenly leaking with rage. 145Please respect copyright.PENANApxg6wFSWuo
Me: “What did I do to deserve such an awful mother?! What did I do to deserve you cheating on Dad and ruining my childhood?! What did I do to deserve the fact I flinch at your touch?!” My body trembles subtly, my eyes wide with another wave of tears welling and an anger building up for years. My fists are white against my sides, my body tense despite the shaking. My mother’s eyes are wide, her anger melting into something else I can’t read. Blinded by rage, I didn’t realize then what I’d just confessed. I confessed I knew that she cheated on my dad. That she’s the reason why I didn’t have a normal childhood. She slowly steps closer to me, her expression softer. My anger fades away, my tears rising and a lump forming in my throat. She wraps her arms around me and pulls me into her chest. I sink into the rare feeling of feeling comfort from her, and I sob once more. During that time, she whispers soft apologetic words into my ear as her hand rubs my back. 145Please respect copyright.PENANA86rx7XzBCk
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The next day, we pretended the altercation never happened. The only thing that changed was her being more soft towards me. But I never reciprocated that back then. Now, I welcome her embraces and have grown to forgive my mom. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m my mother’s daughter.


