Lisa saw his shoulders slump, and a heavy sense of concern washed over her. She took a steadying breath and spoke gently:
“Artem, you can tell me anything. No matter what’s happened, I’ll always be here for you.”
He finally looked up at her, his eyes filled with inner turmoil.
“I’m tired, Mom,” he sighed. “Tired of pretending to be what you want. I know you mean well, but I feel like I’m losing myself in the process.”
Lisa was shocked by his words. She hadn’t expected such raw honesty.
“Do you really think I want to change you?” she asked quietly.
“Sometimes it feels that way,” he replied. “I try to live up to your expectations, but it’s just too much.”
Lisa’s heart tightened. She suddenly understood that, despite her love and care, her son might have seen it as nothing more than pressure.
“Artem,” she said softly. “You mean more to me than any expectations. If I’ve made a mistake, I’m sorry. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy.”
Tears filled Artem’s eyes as he dropped his backpack and embraced his mother.
“I just wanted you to understand me,” he whispered.
“I will try,” Lisa responded, holding him close. “We’ll work through this together, Artem.”
This moment marked the start of a new chapter for both of them, one where they began to truly listen to and understand each other.
