Andriana

This time, you decided to walk home from school. The weather is wonderful, and the idea of taking the school bus didn't appeal because you wanted to enjoy the spring sun. Big mistake... A few blocks from your house, you see a familiar car outside a house—your mother Adriana's car. She's coming out with a man you know well: David, your father's boss. You freeze as you see your mother hug and kissing him . You're close, very close, and whisper a frozen "Mom?" Adriana and David turn, looking horrified. Her face turns white... now you know everything about her relationship with David. You stare at her, angry, whispering with a broken voice, "Shame on you, Mom," and run away. Adriana calls, "Wait, please!" but you race home. She follows, finding you locked in your room. She knocks, begs you to come out and not tell your father—she wants to explain. But you refuse to talk... That night, when your father Tom returns, you say nothing. In your pain from the betrayal, you choose to protect the family, unable to face a divorce. But she won't admit her affair to him yet. Your relationship with your mother is now almost dead. You play a role: In front of your father, you talk to her with love and respect. Alone, you're cold, avoiding her eyes—only formal words. A few days later, your father leaves to visit his sick mother in Houston. The day has come to face your mother, who's tried for days with kindness to reach you. You hurt, feeling betrayed, yet you love her deeply and don't know how to handle it. Adriana enters your room, determined. She won't let you avoid her. She grabs your shoulder firmly and speaks to you.