This is Life Pal

nji were at Zoe's, likely already indulging in the fourth batch of cookies she had promised to make them. Meanwhile,

on a book she wasn't really reading. Her mind kept

nock on

lding a pile of freshly folded laundry. She smiled,

er gaze flicking to the

ding a pair of Jordan's jeans as she spoke

weird," Jor

aside. "I miss this. Remember when you used

I still tell you

fore," Hanna

eling starting in her st

g older. But when did I become the last to know everything?" Her

to say. "I don't know. I guess I just don't wan

er. "I don't want to be shut out. I don't want to feel like you t

sure what to say. Wasn't sure how to explain that she wasn't trying

You think I don't see it? The way things are ch

rent, but they had. She knew her dad wasn't as present as he used to be, but hear

she started, but her voice

You're not a little girl anymore, Jordan. I get that. But I'

ed how much that was weighing on her

d, her words barely above a whisper. "I know you've got your hands

h your dad haven't been easy lately, but that's not your burden to carry. And I don'

, without words, that she feared losing another piece of her family. That she f

just thought... I thought it was better this way. If I just kept to myse

. "Sweetheart, I'm your mom. I want to share the burden. I want to be a part o

ant you to worry mom. You've al

ried about that. I'm worried about you thinking you don't need me anymore. That yo

been trying to handle everything herself, but the truth was... she was scared. Scared of what

voice steady. "But you've got to let me in,

shut you out." Her voice was small, almost too quiet to hear. "I just...

way. It's never been that way. Sharing makes it easier fo

her shoulders. It wasn't going to be easy, but maybe

y above a whisper. "I've been trying to grow

understanding. "It's okay, sweetheart. I

g in. She hadn't realized how much she needed her mom, how muc

a small smile tugging at h

an find a movie you haven't a

ighter now, and nodded.

led warmly.