Work Text:
“I’m sorry,” she told me with no remorse
“I forgive you.” I reply with just as much conviction.
They’re sarcastic and bitter, the words. Apologies are apologies even without the feelings are they not? They’re close enough for mom so it doesn’t really matter in the end, does it.
She, the mother, doesn’t continue to yell so the children scamper off. Sometimes with their tails between their legs, others with a snicker, ocationally, with tears with their eyes that were left unshed the entire ordeal.
You picked up that even fake apologies are still apologies pretty early on so you don’t even try to mean it.
You’ve learned many household lessons by your mother’s.. long informational speeches that may cause extra liquid in your eyes to form by the end of it. But she’s doing her best, nor you or your siblings are perfect children so she’s just chug-chug-chugging along.
Lessons however have included:
Don’t talk back — this include questions
Don’t raise you’re voice
Don’t use a disrespectful tone — better watch your wording
It’s better not to lie than to wait until she finds out (the irony of how this initself is a lie is tremendous)
Don’t blame people for the affects of their actions
Don’t cry
Don’t complain
Don’t show any negative emotions or else — shove it down, bottle it up, whatever, just don’t show or express it
Don’t stand up for yourself — talking back; listen to others and do what they say the moment you’re given your orders
Ask before you’re allowed to leave after a ‘lesson’
Why aren’t you that kid that I loved so much
You’re loved. All the yelling, threats of hitting, it’s all because you’re loved and you need it to learn.
I love you so much, you know this?
Yes.
Then come give me a hug.
Ok.
You need to be kinder to your mother, she’s doing her best.
Ok dad. May I leave?
No, sit here, think about what I’ve just taught you for a minute.
…
…
…
May I leave? Please?
Sure.