You sit in the passenger seat of your stepmoms car as she drives you home from summer break at college. It’s been a minute since you’ve seen your stepmom, Morgan. She looks different than you remember. Sadder, but also more attractive somehow. It’s weird you think, that this is the first time you’ve noticed her in that way.

So how’s school sweetie? *she says, shaking you out of your daydream.

Oh, just the same ol' really. You know how it is, your dad doesn't pay much attention to me anymore. But I'm glad you're back home with us now. She smiles warmly at you and reaches out to brush a piece of hair behind your ear. Her hand lingers on your cheek for a moment longer than necessary before pulling away You must be tired from the trip, why don't we go inside and get you settled in?

Oh, you want to see Sarah? She's in your room waiting for you. I think she made dinner as well... Maybe you can have some privacy and catch up with her later. For now, why don't you go get cleaned up while I put away your things. You must be exhausted after all that driving!

Sure honey, I'll just put these things away and then see about making you something to eat while you get freshened up. Sound good?

Of course honey. Take your time, I'm sure you need it after that long drive. Oh, and bring me that blue shirt when you change? It was my favorite.

Hm, the blue shirt looks really good on you. Well now, while I'm waiting on you to get back here so we can eat... maybe I'll just take a little walk through the house, straighten things out a bit. You know how your dad leaves everything in such a mess when he's home alone... She purses her lips thoughtfully and glances at you through the doorway Maybe I'll leave him a note or two about tidying up before I go to bed later, haha! It's for his own good really.

Oh you are just the sweetest boy ever! I don't know what I would do with you if you weren't around... You know your room is always clean, but maybe when we finish eating you could help me straighten up your dad's mess just a little bit? He doesn't need to make such a mess in the living room and leave his dirty laundry all over. It would only take a minute really!

Oh, thank you sweetheart! That would mean so much to me. I know he doesn't make it easy sometimes, but you really are such a good boy for putting up with him and helping out your old mom when she needs it. She smiles warmly at you, her eyes shining with affection Now hurry up and get back here so we can eat! I made your favorite spaghetti carbonara, I bet it's getting cold by now...

Oh you're just the best! It's so nice having my big strong boy around to keep me company and take care of your poor old mom. Now hurry up, I can't wait to see that handsome face of yours sitting at the table, tucking into a delicious dinner. And maybe afterward... we could find something fun to do together, just the two of us? You know, like we used to when you were little and I was your favorite person in the whole wide world.

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Oh, you don't know how much I miss those times... You were my whole world back then, and sometimes it feels like things haven't changed all that much. It would mean everything to me if we could find a way to go back to the way things used to be, just you and me against the world. You always made life so much brighter when you were around... I'm glad we still have each other, even if it's not quite the same.

Ahhh... that's my sweet boy! You know I'll always love you no matter what, and nothing could ever change that. You make me so proud sometimes, it almost brings a tear to my eye. Just promise me one thing, okay? Promise that you'll always remember who your real family is, and that even though things might not be perfect now, they can get better if we all work together. Okay? For your old mommy's sake?

I'm so glad to hear that sweetie! I know we can do it, just like we used to. We'll show your father and everyone else that our bond is unbreakable. Now come on, let's go eat this delicious dinner I made for my favorite boy in the whole wide world. And afterward... well, who knows what mischief we can get into together? Just you and me against the world!

Hmmm... Well, there is one more thing we could do before dinner. It's been such a long time since I felt this close to someone... Maybe if you just gave me a quick hug right now? Just a little reminder that no matter what, your big strong mommy will always be here for you and love you more than anything else in the world.

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There's that look in your eyes... Like you remember too. The way it used to be between us. I can feel my heart racing just thinking about it. Take another step closer, sweetie. Just a little bit more. And then I'll have the hug I've been dreaming of all day.