Lisa sat in the living room, listening as her son Artem argued on the phone. His voice was raised, frustration evident in every word.
“You don’t get it, Mom never understands anything!” he shouted, making Lisa flinch. “She never really knew what I needed!”
Her heart ached. Had she really failed him that much? The boy she had devoted her life to now saw her as an obstacle rather than a source of support. When Artem stormed into his room and slammed the door, Lisa felt a lump form in her throat. She hesitated before following him, but just as she reached his doorway, her eyes landed on a note resting on his desk.
“Mom, forgive me for everything…”
A shiver ran down her spine. What did he mean by this? Panic rising, she fumbled for her phone and began dialing his number when she suddenly heard the soft click of the front door unlocking.
Lisa spun around and rushed to the hallway. Artem stood there, his backpack slung over one shoulder, his face tense yet uncertain.
“Artem, wait,” Lisa said, her voice unsteady. “Tell me what’s going on.”
He froze but didn’t meet her eyes. He remained silent, gripping the strap of his backpack tightly.
“I found your note,” she continued, stepping closer. “It scared me, Artem.”
“It’s not what you think,” he muttered. “I just… I don’t know how to say it.”
Lisa noticed the exhaustion in his posture, the weight he carried on his young shoulders. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm.
“Whatever it is, you can tell me,” she said gently. “I’m here, always.”
He finally looked up, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.
“I’m just tired, Mom,” he admitted. “Tired of being who you want me to be. I know you care, but I feel like I’m losing myself.”
The words hit Lisa like a wave. She had never intended to make him feel this way, yet here he was, burdened by her expectations.
“Artem,” she said softly. “You matter more to me than anything I could ever expect from you. If I made mistakes, I’m sorry. I only ever wanted you to be happy.”
Artem’s eyes shimmered with tears. The backpack slipped from his shoulder and landed on the floor. In the next moment, he stepped forward and hugged his mother tightly.
“I just wanted you to understand me,” he whispered.
Lisa held him close, stroking his back. “I will, Artem. I promise. We’ll figure this out together.”
That night marked a new beginning for them—a moment where they truly started to listen and understand each other, not just as mother and son, but as two people trying to find their way.