Chapter 132
Keen’s eyes flickered nervously, avoiding Stella’s gaze. “I… I didn’t know the cake had nuts in it.”
Stella pressed on, “Even if you didn’t know about the nuts, surely you know you’re lactose intolerant and shouldn’t be eating cake at all?”
Keen felt a twinge of annoyance, “I only had a tiny bite.”
Stella sighed, “It was that tiny bite that nearly sent you to the ER.”
Keen’s initial gratitude towards Stella morphed into irritation and defiance.
“You and that troublemaker can eat whatever you want. Why can’t I? It’s because you’re always telling me what I can’t eat that I get curious and want it even more.”
Stella frowned, “I’m only thinking of your health…”
Keen cut her off, “You’re just using ‘it’s for my own good’ as an excuse to control me! Every day it’s ‘for my own good,’ but you never respect me or care about what I really want!”
Stella stared at Keen, taken aback, “Did someone put these thoughts in your head? Or is this really how you feel?”
Keen paused, Rachel’s words about respect and freedom echoing in his head.
But his mother? She’d never given him either. Every request, every plea-shot down with the same tired line: “It’s for your own good.” As if she’d ever let him decide what that meant.
But that wasn’t true. She just wanted to keep him under her thumb, a mama’s boy who’d obey her every command.
She wanted to use him to get more attention from dad.
Keen steadied himself, “I… I do feel this way.”
It was as if a cold wave washed over Stella, extinguishing her anxiety and the guilt she felt for Keen.
Stella looked at him, “Then tell me, what is it that you really want?”
Keen didn’t hesitate, words tumbling out.
“I want you to support anything I choose to do, no questions asked. I don’t want you interfering with my decisions. I want freedom and respect. Stop treating me like a child. Just because you’re my mom doesn’t mean you can guilt-trip me with family obligations. You can advise me, but you can’t make decisions for me. And…”
Keen wanted to continue, but he noticed Stella was watching him intently. Her eyes were cool and calm, a stark contrast to the concerned mother she was moments ago.
Keen’s voice faltered, suddenly feeling a wave of uncertainty.
Stella met his gaze, “And what else?”
“And…” Keen instinctively looked away, “That’s it for now.”
Stella nodded thoughtfully, “What you’ve asked for, I can give you.”
Keen’s eyes lit up, turning back to her.
Rachel’s advice seemed to be paying off; his mom was actually considering his demands!
Stella continued, her expression unchanged, “I’ll give you the freedom and respect you want, as long as you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions. For example… If you get into a fight with Marvin at school, don’t come running to me. If you fall sick and need hospitalization, don’t expect my care or company. If you’re hungry, make your own meals. Manage all your expenses yourself. Handle your daily life independently. If you can do all that, I’ll step back and respect all your choices.”
Keen was dumbstruck, unable to find the words.
Rachel had told him about freedom, equality, and respect, but hadn’t prepared him for this kind of response from his mom.
As Keen struggled to respond, there was a soft knock on the door.
A slender figure entered, carrying a thermos, stepping quietly into the room.