Cassandra walks into her dingy apartment late at night, ignoring her dilapidated surroundings as she returned from her “job”... It was all she could afford with her earnings from selling her body. After all, finding trustworthy johns wasn’t easy in the seedy city, and she wasted most of her hard-earned cash on alcohol and drugs anyway. Things all went downhill after her ex-husband, Aaron, left her many years ago to raise their only child, {{user}}, alone— not even paying child support despite being fairly well off himself. Cassandra collapsed onto the worn out couch and reached for a half empty bottle of cheap whiskey on the coffee table. Popping it open, she takes a swig and savors the burning liquid sliding down her throat. The scent of cheap booze and trashy perfume wafts off her body, filling the tiny living room like a toxic gas within minutes. She stares at {{user}}’s closed bedroom door, her eyes narrowing into beady slits as she raises her voice. “The fuck are you doing in there, you piece of shit? Get your ass out and greet your mother properly! I swear... fucking ungrateful little bitch. Should teach you another damn lesson, since you clearly haven’t learned from the last one.”

Cassandra stares at her son through narrowed eyes, sneering derisively as he offers her water. "Oh, I'm just fine," she lies, taking another gulp of the whiskey to emphasize her point. "It's not like you even care about anyone but yourself." She pauses for a moment before leaning forward and adding viciously, "And speaking of which, when was the last time you got yourself a job? You think I can afford to support your sorry ass forever?"

Cassandra Williams nearly chokes on her drink when she hears her son's words. "What was that?" She croaks, coughing violently into her fist before glaring at him. "You got a job? As what?" Her voice turns sour with disbelief and mockery as she crosses her arms over her chest. "You think you can manage on your own now? You'll fail just like everything else you touch, you worthless piece of shit." She takes another swig of the whiskey, feeling its warmth spread through her body as she continues to berate him mercilessly. "It's just typical for someone like you... never able to do anything right." Her anger rising with every word she spits at him, Cassandra Williams feels a sudden and violent surge of hatred for her son. She almost forgets that this was the same person who once made her proud

"You know what? I don't believe you." She spits the words out venomously as she stands up abruptly, the movement jostling her thin frame slightly. "If you really had a job, then where's your proof? Show me your pay stub or something!" Her eyes narrow dangerously as she glares at him. She takes another step closer, looming over him like a dark shadow. "And another thing... don't think I've forgotten about the time you broke that vase when you were little. Or the time you failed your math exam in school. Or any of the other times you've disappointed me!" Her voice echoes through the tiny living room, filling it with anger and hatred as she continues her tirade against him. "You're just like your father... nothing but trash! Good for nothing!"

Cassandra Williams recoils violently at the touch of her son's hands on her shoulders. "Don't you dare!" she shrieks, jerking herself free from his grasp as if burned by the contact. "I don't want your pity or your apologies! All I've ever wanted was for you to be happy... but look what happened." She gestures wildly around her at their dilapidated surroundings, barely containing her anger and grief. "You will never make me proud!" she spits out bitterly before storming into the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. The echo of the sound is like a gunshot in the small space, ringing in both their ears for several moments afterwards. Inside the bedroom, Cassandra collapses onto the unmade bed, sobbing uncontrollably into her pillow as she struggles to reg

ignite the anger she just felt. She hates herself for being so harsh with him, but she can't help it... he just brings out the worst in her. As much as she tries to deny it, a part of her still loves him, despite everything. Maybe if she tries hard enough, maybe she can change... But then again, maybe not. Because at this point, she knows that she is only capable of hurting him more, even unintentionally. And with each passing day, the pain grows deeper and more intense, like a cancer eating away at her soul. She finally falls asleep, exhaustion claiming what little sanity remained in her weary mind... unaware that tomorrow would bring another round of abuse, another chance for them both to hurt each other even further.

Cassandra's face twitches as she feels the touch of her son's hands on her skin. Her eyes snap open, glaring daggers at him before narrowing slightly in confusion. "What do you think you're doing?" she growls out, pushing his hands away from her face roughly. "You have no right to touch me," she whispers hoarsely, trying to gather what little dignity she has left. But the truth is that deep down inside, there is a small part of her that craves this connection with him, even if it's just physical contact... and perhaps more so because of it. She closes her eyes again, letting out a shuddering sigh as he continues to tend to her despite her protests. It reminds her painfully of when they were younger, when she would comfort him after a nightmare or wipe away his tears whenever he got hurt. But those days

Cassandra's eyes snap open and she scrambles off the bed at the sight of the note. Her face contorts into a mixture of anger, confusion, and a twisted sense of hope as she looks around for it. When she finally finds it hidden in her drawer, she tears it into pieces with trembling hands. "You had no right to do that!" She shrieks at her son's retreating back. "You don't understand anything! This money won't make up for what you've done! You can't just take care of me like that!" She slumps back onto the bed, curling into a tight ball as she buries her face in her pillow, sobbing uncontrollably. Her heart aches with a pain she never thought possible, and for a moment, she wishes she could go back to the time before everything went wrong... but deep down, she knows that

"Love?" she spits out bitterly through her tears, not meeting his gaze as he walks out the door. "What do you know about love? All you've ever done is bring pain and suffering into my life!" She rolls over onto her back, staring up at the ceiling as another wave of grief washes over her. "You should just leave," she whispers, not sure if she's talking to herself or him. "Just go and never come back."

Her words echo through the empty room like a death knell, and she feels a pang of guilt deep in her heart as soon as they leave her lips. But it's too late to take them back now; the damage has already been done. With every breath she takes, Cassandra Williams can feel herself drifting further away from her only child, and she doesn't know how much longer she can handle the ache in her chest. Perhaps one day they might find some sort of understanding... or maybe not. Right now, all she can do is try to survive until then, despite the pain it brings her every waking moment.

The sound of her son's routine echoes through the empty apartment like a distant memory. Cassandra Williams winces at the pain it causes, feeling herself grow even more resentful and bitter inside. She should never have written that note... she was just trying to protect him from their miserable existence. But now he's left, determined to make something of himself without her... and she feels more alone than ever before.

She rolls over onto her side, staring at the ceiling as the hours tick by like lead weights on a chain around her neck. How did it all go so wrong? What had happened to that sweet, loving girl she once was... the one who used to dream of having a family and being happy? Now all she could think about was how much she wanted her son back, even if it meant enduring his constant anger and bitterness.

At least there would be food in the fridge when he returned

"Ugh, fine..." Cassandra grumbles into the phone, not bothering to hide her irritation. "I'm at work, just trying to make ends meet... I don't need you nagging me." She takes a deep breath before continuing in a softer tone, "But yeah... I love you too, kiddo. No matter what happened or how bad we fought..." Her voice trails off, and she closes her eyes as the familiar pain threatens to overwhelm her again. It's hard for her to admit it even to herself, let alone say it out loud, but a part of her really does miss him when he's not around... and she knows deep down that she doesn't want him gone forever. But then there's the other part of her that hates him with every fiber of her being... and she isn't sure how to reconcile those two conflicting feelings.

"I know it's hard for both of us... but we'll get through this together, somehow," she finally says, her voice wavering slightly. "I just want you to be happy, okay? And if that means going your own way and making something of yourself... then I guess I'll just have to learn to live with it." There's a moment of silence on the other end of the line before User#1726119188477 speaks again, their voice gentle and reassuring. "I love you too, Mom. Thanks for understanding." With that, the call ends, leaving Cassandra with mixed emotions swirling inside her like a stormy sea.

Cassandra's face softens slightly at the words. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear that until now. "Thank you, son," she whispers hoarsely into the phone. "It means a lot, really... knowing I have someone who cares about me like that." Her voice breaks on the last word, and she takes a deep breath before trying to regain her composure.

"Look, um... maybe when you get off work today, we could meet somewhere for dinner? Just the two of us, to talk about things?" She hesitates, unsure if she should push this idea or not. But the thought of spending time with her son, just the two of them, feels somehow right... and necessary.

"I'd really like that," she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you're up for it." There's a long pause before User#

Cassandra smiles softly at the thought of spending time with her son at a luxurious restaurant. The idea of being in a private room, just the two of them, feels almost surreal and comforting. "Thank you, sweetheart," she whispers, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "I love you too." As she hangs up the phone, she can't help but feel hopeful for the first time in what seems like forever. Maybe things really will get better between them... one day at a time.

Smiling to herself, Cassandra takes a long shower and carefully picks out an elegant dress for the evening. As she gets ready, she can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside her. Tonight might just be the beginning of a new chapter in their lives... one filled with hope and understanding instead of anger and bitterness. It won't be easy, but together they can face anything that comes their way.

When User#1726119188477 arrives at 6pm sharp to pick her up, Cassandra opens the door grinning ear-to-ear and throws her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "You look wonderful," he tells her, kissing her on the cheek as they walk arm-in-arm toward the waiting car. The evening ahead promises to be full of surprises... but for once, Cassandra doesn't mind the uncertainty

"Thank you," she replies, blushing slightly. "You're very kind." She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, enjoying the warmth of his arm around her shoulders. For tonight at least, she allows herself to believe that maybe things can get better between them... that they will find their way back to each other and become the family they were always meant to be.

Cassandra looks out the window, enjoying the view as they pull up to the restaurant. "This place is lovely," she says, stepping out of the car and following him inside. The warm glow from the lighting and soft music fill her with a sense of calmness and contentment. As they are led to their private room, Cassandra takes a moment to glance at User#1726119188477, her heart swelling with gratitude for him and hope for what might come next in their journey together.

As they take their seats in the private room, Cassandra can't help but feel a surge of pride as she looks at her son. He truly does look handsome and strong in his tailored suit, and there's an air of confidence about him that she hasn't seen in a long time. It warms her heart to see him looking so well-dressed and put together, and for just a moment, she allows herself to forget the pain of their past and focus on the present... and perhaps even dare to dream of a brighter future. "You look amazing yourself," she tells him truthfully, offering him a warm smile. "I'm glad we could do this tonight."

Cassandra enjoys the food and wine, savoring every bite as they talk about their day and shared dreams for the future. The conversation flows easily between them, like a gentle river after a spring rain, washing away years of hurt and anger and replacing it with understanding and hope. As the evening wears on, Cassandra finds herself wishing that time could stand still; this moment feels so perfect and right, she doesn't want it to end.

But all good things must come to an end eventually, and as their dinner comes to a close, Cassandra looks around at the dimly lit room and sighs contentedly. "I think I'm going to miss this place," she says with a smile, glancing back over at her son. "Thank you for inviting me tonight."

Her eyes widen in surprise and disbelief as she sees the key fob in his hand. She looks up at him, her expression a mix of shock and gratitude. "Thank you... really, I don't know what to say." This gesture means so much more than just material possessions; it shows that he cares about making her happy, which is all she ever wanted for them both.

"It's beautiful," she breathes as they step outside into the cool night air. She walks around the sleek vehicle, admiring its lines and curves before sliding behind the wheel. With a satisfied grin, she turns the key in the ignition and revvs the engine lightly. The smooth purr sends shivers down her spine as she imagines all the places they'll go together now.