Chapter 122
Theo’s gaze flickered, refusing to meet Sharon’s eyes.
“I… I didn’t know there were nuts in the cake.”
Sharon pressed on. “Even if you didn’t know about the nuts, don’t you know you’re lactose intolerant? You shouldn’t be eating
cake at all.”
Theo’s face twisted into a frown. “It was just one little bite.”
“That one little bite nearly cost you your life,” Sharon said quietly.
The warmth Theo had felt earlier toward his mother began to twist into irritation, frustration simmering beneath his skin.
“You and Matty get to eat whatever you want. Why can’t I? It’s only because you’re always telling me what I can’t eat, what I shouldn’t touch, that I get curious. That’s why I want to eat those things even more!”
Sharon’s brow furrowed. “I’m only thinking of your health-”
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Theo cut her off sharply. “No, you’re just using that as an excuse. Pretending it’s out of love so you can control me! Every day it’s ‘I’m doing this for you,’ but you never actually see me. You don’t respect what I want. Not even once!”
Sharon stared at him, stunned. “Who taught you to say that? Or… is that really how you feel?”
Theo’s breath caught.
Kelly had told him: everyone deserves freedom and respect. That it didn’t matter if someone was older, or even a parent.
But his mom never respected him.
Every time he wanted something, she said no. Said it was for his own good.
But that wasn’t it-she just wanted to shape him into some obedient little “mama’s boy.” Someone who’d listen to her every word. Someone she could use to steal back his dad’s attention.
Theo tried to sound calm. “That’s how I feel. It’s what I think.”
It was like someone had poured cold water over her.
The anxiety, the guilt, the stubborn tenderness Sharon had clung to through the long night vanished in an instant.
She looked at him and asked, quietly, “Then tell me, Theo. What is it that you want?”
Theo didn’t hesitate. Words poured out of him.
“I want you to support whatever I do, unconditionally. No more forcing me or interfering with what I choose. I want freedom and respect. I don’t want to be treated like a little kid anymore. And just because you gave birth to me doesn’t mean you get to use that to guilt me all the time. You can give me advice, sure. But you don’t get to make my decisions. And…” 1
He was still going when he noticed Sharon staring at him, unblinking.
Her eyes were cool, distant, as still as water. Nothing of the gentle, worried mother from before remained.
Theo faltered. His voice grew smaller. Suddenly, he felt unsure.
Sharon asked, “And what else?”
“I… that’s it for now,” he mumbled, looking away.
She nodded slowly. “I can do what you’ve asked.”
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Theo’s eyes lit up, his head snapping up to look at her.
Kelly really knew what she was talking about-just a few words and his mom had backed down!
But Sharon wasn’t finished.
“I can give you the freedom and respect you want,” she said calmly, “as long as you take full responsibility for your choices. For example, when you get into fights at school, you don’t get to call me to deal with it.
“If you get sick or end up in the hospital, you don’t need my care or company. If you want to eat something, make it yourself. You’ll cover all your own expenses and manage your daily life on your own.
“If you can do all that, I won’t interfere with you again. I’ll respect every choice you make.”
Theo stared at her, mouth half-open, completely speechless.
Kelly had only talked about freedom, equality, and respect-but she hadn’t told him how to respond to this.
Just as he struggled to think of something-anything to say-a soft knock came at the door.
ཕ ཇ བ
Then, Kelly stepped inside, carrying a thermos.
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