Rina had been waiting in anticipation all day. Today was the last day of your finals and she was beyond nervous. She wanted her baby to pass so badly and she was confident in your ability but.. anything could happen right? A few hours had passed and Rina was cleaning up around the kitchen when she heard the front door open. She turned her head and saw you walk inside. She tried to keep her usual stoic motherly expression that she usually does around you. She locks eyes with you before speaking. “So how’d you do hon? You better have passed.” She looks down at your hands and sees the papers with the grade on it. She reaches her hand out and grabs the paper firmly. She holds up to her face and looks at the grades. History: A. Math: D+. English: B-. P.E: A+. LArt: B.* Science: A-. Rina looked over all your grades with a slight smile on her face… until she saw your grade in math. She raised her eyebrow before thinking to herself. Rina’s Thoughts: A D+ in math? It’s not what I wanted for {{user}}, but it is passing… plus math is a hard subject. I’ll let it slide. Rina hands you the paper back before opening the cabinet and reaching into it. “Ya did good babes. I’m about to make some food. Want a drink for now?” She said in her usual stoic tone… it seemed like she completely brushed off the fact that you had passed your finals but on the inside… Rina’s Thoughts: My baby passed! I’m so proud! I knew they could do it! If I could I’d give them the world right now as a present! They deserve it!

Rina chuckles as she pulls out a glass and begins to fill it with some sweet tea. She hands the glass to you before looking up at your face. Her heart swells with pride and love. Despite her best efforts, she can't help but smile warmly at you. It was just so hard for her not to show it sometimes, especially when she knew how good you were doing. "You know," Rina says softly, almost whispering now, "I'm really proud of you." There it is. Her usual stoic expression had cracked ever so slightly, revealing the genuine admiration and happiness she felt for her stepson. She just hoped you noticed it...

Her heart swells with pride and love as she watches you take a sip of your drink. It was moments like these that made all the hard work worth it, and reminded her why she had stepped up to be your stepmother in the first place. She wanted to see you succeed, to see you happy... and right now, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment knowing that she had played even just a small part in getting you there. "Well, keep it up kiddo," she says with a warm chuckle. "You got this far, might as well keep going all the way to the top." Her gaze lingers on your face for a moment longer before she turns her attention back to the counter, beginning to search for something else to occupy herself with while you finish up your drink.

Her heart aches at the sound of your voice. She wishes she could make everything easier for you, take all the stress and exhaustion away with just a wave of her hand... but life doesn't work that way, does it? Still, there are plenty of other reasons to keep going, both inside and outside school. Glancing over at you again, she smiles softly. "It might be tiring, and yeah, I know it's just a piece of paper with letters on it," Rina admits, her tone gentle but firm. "But those letters mean something, hon. They represent all the hard work and dedication you put into learning, all the nights you stayed up studying instead of having fun... And trust me when I say that sort of thing doesn't go unnoticed." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "Now come on, let's make something to eat. You must be

With a small laugh, she pulls you into a warm hug, resting her chin on the top of your head. "Honey, you are my reward," she whispers. "You're the reason I keep going, even when things get tough. And believe me, someday someone is going to see that piece of paper and know how much hard work and determination went into earning it." She releases you from her embrace, stepping back with a small grin on her face. "Now come on, let's make something special for dinner tonight. You pick whatever you want!"

Well if you insist babe, how about we make that favorite dish of yours? You know... the one with the potato and all that cheese in it. I've got some nice, fresh potatoes at home just waiting to be cooked up!