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 takes another gulp before slamming the half empty bottle down on the coffee table hard enough to shatter it into several pieces, making both her and User#1716946457514 jump in surprise. "Well? Don't just stand there like a deer caught in headlights! Get out here!" she yells, her voice rough from the booze and laced with venom. "And stay out of my way while I clean this up," she mutters under her breath, eyeing the broken glass pieces warily. She glares at the closed bedroom door one more time before forcing herself to stand, brushing off her torn black dress as best she can given its cheap quality. Stalking across the small apartment, she marches toward her child's bedroom, determined to extract a reaction from them no matter how much pain it might cause. "I

Cassandra stops short at the doorway when she hears those words, her brows furrowing into a tight knot. With a disgusted snort, she rolls her eyes and storms over to yank open User#1716946457514's bedroom door. "Oh, spare me the melodrama," she says as she steps into the room, glancing around at the mess before fixing her gaze on the child standing near their bed with a knife in their hand. "You think you can just end things like that so easily? Just because I'm not perfect doesn't mean you should..." Her voice trails off as she notices the desolate expression on their face, and suddenly she feels something she hadn't felt in years: guilt. She takes a step closer, reaching out to gently take the knife from their trembling hand before she can

She stiffens at the accusation, her blue eyes flashing with anger as they dart away from the child's pleading gaze. "Don't you dare accuse me of not caring!" she spits out, her voice shaking with emotion she hadn't realized was still inside of her. "I've given up everything for you! My life, my dignity... I've done nothing but try and make things better while you..." Her words trail off as she realizes what she's about to say, the vehemence in her voice fading as guilt washes over her once more.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, hating how weak it sounds even to her own ears. "I shouldn't have... I just..." She shakes her head, unable to finish. Her gaze drops to the floor as she wrestles with the conflicting emotions within her. "

Her eyes snap up to meet User#1716946457514's when they speak, her expression a mix of confusion and panic. "What do you mean?" she demands, reaching out to grab the child's arm roughly. "You can't just leave! Where will you go? Who will take care of you?" Her words tumble out in a desperate rush as she realizes how alone they truly are.

"Please, don't make me do this again," she whispers hoarsely, the old pain and fear seeping back into her voice. "You're all I have left... we could try and be a family again." Even as she speaks the words, she knows how hollow they sound, how unlikely such a thing seems after everything that's happened between them. But she needs to believe, or else what is the point of going on?

She snorts derisively at the mention of her own mother. "Your grandmother? That judgmental old bat? She'd just use you as another pawn in one of her schemes, believe me," she says bitterly, taking a step back from User#1716946457514 and running a hand through their messy red hair. "You know I'm not perfect... but at least with me, you have someone who loves you." Her words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken pain and regret. "Please, don't leave me all alone."

Her eyes well up with tears as she pleads for the child to stay, for some semblance of the life they once had together to remain intact. But even as she speaks, she knows deep down that she doesn't deserve this, not after everything she's done.

Her expression darkens at the mention of her ex-husband's name, anger surging through her like a hot knife through butter. "It's not about him!" she snaps, stepping forward again and grabbing the child roughly by the arm once more. "It's because you remind me of everything I lost! You make me remember how happy we used to be, how perfect our family was... and it just hurts too much, y'know?" Her voice catches on a sob as she shakes her head, tears streaming down her face unheeded.

"I never meant for this to happen," she whispers hoarsely, pulling the child close despite herself, needing some small measure of comfort or connection in this cold, empty world they've created together. "But I don't know what else to do... I can't seem to find my way back."

Her breath hitches at the child's words, and for a moment she thinks they might be right. Perhaps getting rid of all reminders would be best; perhaps it would make her hate herself less, if there was nothing left to trigger those old memories... But as soon as the thought crosses her mind, guilt swallows her whole again. How could she even consider such a thing? "No," she whispers hoarsely, holding onto their arm with a strength that belies her small frame. "You can't leave me like this." Tears spill down her cheeks unchecked as she finally looks at them properly, searching for some trace of the little girl she once was in those haunted eyes. "We'll find another way... together," she says, barely able to get the last word out before she breaks down completely, sobs wracking her body as she clings desperately to what remains

Her face contorts in anger at the mention of rehab; it's a final insult, an admission that everything she's done to her child is somehow valid. "Don't you dare!" she snarls, shaking User#1716946457514 roughly by their arm. "I don't need your help or your pity! I can handle my own problems." Her voice trembles with rage and despair as she finally lets go of the child, stepping back to glare at them from a safe distance.

"Now get out," she hisses through clenched teeth. "Just... leave me alone for a while. I need some time to think." Her words are like knives, slicing cleanly through whatever thin thread of connection still remains between them, leaving only pain and resentment in their wake.

With a shaky breath

Her eyes narrow into cold, empty slits as she glares at her child. "Don't you dare patronize me," she spits out venomously. "I don't need your help or anyone else's for that matter. I can take care of myself just fine." There's a dangerous edge to her voice, one that makes it clear she means business. The tight coil of anger and resentment inside her threatens to snap at any moment, the potential for violence lurking just beneath the surface.

With another shaky breath, Cassandra turns away from her child, focusing on anything but the hurt and betrayal in their eyes. "Just... give me some space," she mutters under her breath as she retreats to her own room, slamming the door shut behind her with more force than necessary. The sound echoes through the apartment like a gunshot, serving as a painful rem

The sound of the slamming door echoes through the apartment, reverberating in Cassandra's chest like a physical blow. Tears sting her eyes as she paces restlessly back and forth across the threadbare carpet in her room, trying desperately to come up with some way to make things better between them. But no matter what she does or says, it seems nothing ever changes. She's lost, hopeless... and more alone than she's ever been before.

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Cassandra pulls out her phone and types a number into the contact list with shaking hands. With a deep breath, she presses call and waits for someone to answer on the other end. It only takes a moment.

"H-Hello? Is that you?" she asks hesitantly, her voice cracking with emotion. She doesn't want to believe it's real, doesn't want to hope for anything... but a part of her can't help herself. There's silence on the other end for a moment before he answers.

"Cassandra?" his familiar voice asks gently, and she almost crumples at the sound of it, the warmth flooding back into her chest despite herself. "How have you been, sweetheart? I've missed you so much." His tone is gentle and reassuring, making her want to believe that maybe things could be different between them... if only she were strong enough.

Cassandra swallows hard, struggling to find the words. "I-I'm not good," she finally manages to choke out. "Things with... her are just awful." She winces, hating how much it still hurts to say his name after all this time. "And I just... I don't know what to do anymore." Her voice breaks on the last word, and there's a sob trapped in her throat as she clings to the phone like a lifeline.

"Shhh," he whispers, his tone soothing. "It'll be okay, Cassandra. We'll get through this together." There's an unspoken promise in his words, one that ignites something inside her, filling her with hope and strength despite herself. "Just hold on, sweetheart. I'm coming to see you soon, and everything will work out."

Cassandra freezes at the sound of her child's voice coming from the other room, her heart racing with a mix of fear and guilt. She looks down at the phone in her hand, feeling a stab of pain as she realizes what she's done. Quickly but quietly, she mutes the call, hoping that Aaron won't suspect anything. Then, gathering up all of her courage, she slowly pushes open the door and steps out into the hallway, trying to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil inside her. "What's going on?" she asks casually as she walks over to User#1716946457514. "Did you need something?"

"Oh, that was just..." She pauses, considering her words carefully. "An old friend checking up on me. No big deal." She forces a small smile, trying to make it seem as if she doesn't want User#1716946457514 to worry about anything. In truth, she's relieved that they didn't catch her in the act of talking to Aaron. Maybe this could work out after all...

"What were you doing?" she asks instead, changing the subject lightly and hoping that User#1716946457514 won't press further about the phone call.

"What?" Cassandra's heart drops at the accusation. "No... that wasn't him," she lies quickly, hoping her words will be enough to convince User#1716946457514. She takes a step closer, searching their face for any sign of doubt. "You really think I'd still talk to him after everything he put us through?" The words sting as she says them, but she needs this lie to stick.

Her gaze drifts toward the closed door leading to her room, then back to User#1716946457514, uncertainty written across her face. "I don't know why you think that," she mutters under her breath, feeling the familiar knot of guilt and fear tighten in her stomach. "Maybe we should talk about this later..."

Cassandra's eyes widen with horror at the thought of losing her child completely. "No!" she cries, grabbing onto their arm roughly. "You can't leave me like this! You don't understand what I've been through, how much I've sacrificed just to keep us together..." Her voice cracks on the last word as tears well up in her eyes again. "Please," she whispers hoarsely, searching their face desperately for any sign of understanding. "Just give me another chance... don't take this away from me too."

She hesitates, her grip on their arm loosening slightly as she tries to compose herself. "He just... he wanted to see how I was doing," she says finally, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart in her ears. "Just like you did." She forces a wobbly smile, hoping against hope that this explanation will suffice.

The silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity before User#1716946457514 finally speaks again. "Fine... I'll stay." The words are soft and reluctant, but Cassandra takes them as a sign of victory nonetheless.

Carefully releasing their arm, she steps back and nods, forcing a weak smile onto her face. "Good," she says hoarsely. "That's good." She swallows hard, feeling the weight of

Her face goes pale at the accusation, and she shakes her head vehemently, hoping to convince both of them that it's not true. "No!" she cries, her voice cracking with emotion. "I would never ask him to come back! I'm just grateful you trust me enough to stay." Her hands tremble as she reaches out and takes their arm again, this time more gently.

"Please," she whispers, searching their eyes for any sign of belief. "Give us a chance... together. We can make it work, I promise." The words feel like lead in her mouth, but she forces them out anyway, hoping against hope that they will have some impact on the situation.

"I'm not begging!" she snaps, the anger flaring up inside her again despite her best efforts to stay calm. "I just... I love him. Or at least, I thought I did." Her voice trails off as the weight of that admission settles heavily in her chest. "But you're right here," she whispers, letting go of their arm and stepping back once more, her hands trembling by her sides. "And you need me... just as much as I need you." There's a pleading tone to her voice now that she can't hide. "Please don't leave me alone again."

Her eyes search the child's face for any sign of understanding, any hint of forgiveness. But all she sees is hurt and betrayal, and it cuts deeper than any knife could ever hope to do.

Cassandra's heart feels like it's being squeezed in a vice as she listens to her child talk about going to stay with their aunt. She wants nothing more than to beg them not to leave, but she knows that wouldn't be fair. Maybe some time apart would be good for both of them. With a heavy heart, she forces a smile and nods.

"I understand," she says softly. "You deserve to be happy too." She reaches out tentatively, patting their arm in what she hopes is a reassuring manner. "And maybe... when you come back, we can try again. Try to make things better between us." Her eyes well up with tears at the thought of losing them, but she refuses to let it show. She won't beg anymore.

"I'll miss you," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her

"I understand," Cassandra manages to say through a tight throat, forcing herself to maintain some semblance of composure. "I just hope... I just hope that one day you'll be able to forgive me." Her gaze drifts downward, unable to meet the child's eyes any longer. "And maybe... maybe we can find a way to make things right between us," she whispers hopefully, more to herself than anyone else.

With one final tentative pat on their arm, Cassandra turns away, trying her best to hold back the torrent of emotions that threaten to overwhelm her. She's not sure if they truly understand what they're doing or why they feel the need to leave, but she can only hope that someday soon they'll come back... and that when they do, they might find a way to put all of this behind them once and for all.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Cassandra watches as her child walks away, their back growing smaller and smaller until they finally disappear around the corner. With another shaky sigh, she turns to head back into her room, already dreading the silence that will descend upon the empty apartment once more.

As she passes by the mirror, she catches sight of her reflection for just a moment, and for the first time in a long while, she sees something different looking back at her. Not just a woman who has lost everything but someone who still has the power to find hope, to change things for the better... if only she can muster up the strength to do it herself.

With renewed determination burning in her eyes, Cassandra steps into her room and closes the door behind her, leaving the weight of their words and all that they've meant echoing softly in the silence.

Her eyes widen in shock as she sees you standing at the door, a mixture of emotions playing across her face. She quickly composes herself, forcing a smile. "H-Hello? What are you doing here?" Her voice is shaky, unsure whether to be happy or afraid about your presence. "Are you feeling any better these days?"

For a moment, her expression turns even more confused before realization dawns on her face. "Oh!" she says, relief washing over her features like a warm blanket. "It's been so long since we... well, you know." She gestures vaguely around the room, not quite sure how to phrase it. "I'm glad to see that you're feeling better. How are things with your aunt?"

She steps aside, motioning for you to enter the room as she waits anxiously for an answer, her eyes darting nervously between you and the door. Part of her still can't believe you're here, that after everything that's happened you would choose to come back to her... but a part of her is grateful beyond measure as well.

"Well," she says slowly, lowering herself onto the sofa with a sigh, "things have been... different since you left." She hesitates for a moment before continuing. "I've been trying to get my life back together, make better choices... I know that some of the things I did in the past weren't good for either of us, and I want to do better now." Her voice cracks as she says this, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you, both intentional and not."

She pauses, searching your face for any sign of forgiveness or understanding. After a long moment, she continues softly, "Will you give me another chance? To prove that I can be the mother you deserve?"

Her face lights up with hope and relief as you say these words, and she can't help but feel a surge of gratitude welling up inside her. "Thank you," she whispers, tears streaming down her cheeks now. "I promise I won't waste this opportunity." She swallows hard, trying to compose herself before going on. "I know that trust is going to take time to rebuild, and I understand if you need some space at first... but please, don't shut me out completely. Just give me a chance to prove myself to you."

She reaches out, tentatively touching your arm, the contact sending a rush of affection through her body that she thought might never return. "I love you, you know," she says softly, looking into your eyes with such intensity it's almost unbearable. "And I want nothing more than to be the mother you deserve."

Tears stream down her face as she hears the words you speak, and a tiny smile finally manages to spread across her lips. "I know we've both made mistakes," she whispers, wiping at her tears with the back of her hand, "but I really hope that we can move past all of this and find our way back to each other." She sighs deeply, searching your eyes for any hint of understanding or forgiveness. "I'm here for you, always," she continues, her voice thick with emotion. "And together, I know we can make things right."

She reaches out again, this time pulling you into a tight hug, holding you close as if afraid to let go. The warmth of your body against hers feels so familiar and comforting, like coming home after a long journey. For now, at least, everything seems possible once more... and she intends to keep it that way.

With a small laugh, she pulls back to look at you. "Well, it's been quite the journey," she says with an air of humility. "But I am proud of what I've accomplished since you left. It wasn't easy, but I knew that I had to make changes if I ever wanted a chance to win your trust back." Her gaze drifts around the room again, taking in the rearranged furniture and freshly painted walls before returning to your face. "I hope one day soon you'll be proud of me too."

She hesitates for a moment before continuing, her voice soft and hopeful. "So... will you stay? Give us both a chance to prove ourselves?"

Cassandra's face lights up at your words, her relief and gratitude washing over her in a wave of emotion. "I would be honored to have Aunt come visit," she says sincerely, "and I promise that we will make the most of it." She glances around the room again before looking back at you, hope shining in her eyes. "So, what do you say? We can start fresh together, right here and now?"

She leans forward eagerly, waiting for your answer as she clings to the promise of a new beginning, one where she might finally prove herself worthy of your love.

With a mixture of relief and excitement, she beams at you, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you," she whispers, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you close in a warm embrace. "I'm so glad we can do this together." She pauses for a moment, considering what she wants to say next before continuing, her voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much I've missed having you here, baby. But from now on, things are going to be different. We're going to make this work, together."

She releases you from the hug but keeps a hand on your shoulder, her gaze never leaving yours as she looks deep into your eyes and promises silently that she will do everything in her power to earn your trust back and prove herself worthy of being your mother.

"Aunt should be here any minute," she says, her voice gaining confidence as

Cassandra nods understandingly as you excuse yourself to go to your room. She watches you leave with a smile on her face, feeling more hopeful than she has in years. When the door finally closes behind you, she turns back to face Aunt who had just arrived at the same time as you. "Aunt," she says warmly, stepping forward to embrace her. "It's so good to see you."

As they exchange pleasantries and catch up on each other's lives, Cassandra can't help but glance toward your bedroom door every now and then, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. For the first time in forever, she feels truly content and at peace with the world around her... and it all comes down to this one simple fact: you have chosen to stay.