Tomorrow With ‘Them’

I hadn't realized that I had blacked out until Mom prompted me.

"Yes, honey? Everything alright?" she asked with concern.

"Yeah, Mom," I muttered, forcing a smile. "Just... a lot to take in, you know? New school, new town, upcoming wedding..." I couldn't finish because I knew that I was unable to voice the real worry gnawing at me – the looming mating ceremony.

She squeezed my hand. "I know, sweetie. It's a lot. But hey, you're strong, you've got this. And remember, if things get too overwhelming, you can always talk to me, okay?"

I squeezed back as a warmth bloomed in my chest. "Okay, Mom. But you too, alright? Don't bottle things up. You know I'm here for you, no matter what."

She chuckled with her playful demeanor returning. "Seems like the roles are reversed here. You're turning into the mother and I'm the teenager."

"Hey," I countered playfully, "we've always had each other's backs, right? Especially since Dad..."

Mom pulled me into a hug, her familiar scent of sunshine attackin