"Martin, to the world!" Mariah called out, waving her slender fingers in front of his face, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Go wash up. Dinner will be ready in a few," she added, already turning back toward the kitchen.
With a sigh, Martin trudged upstairs, slow and careful with each step. He was exhausted. The day had been hectic, and all he could think about now was how a warm shower might wash away the weight of it all.
His mind drifted back.
When he received his university admission letter, a wave of excitement hit him quickly, followed by a storm of worry. The thought of leaving home unsettled him, and the burden of tuition weighed heavily on his heart. He hated what it would cost his mother.
But the moment he broke the news, her joy had overflowed. She had shouted with delight, wrapped him in a tight embrace, and even tried to lift him off the ground despite her petite frame.
That night was unforgettable. Just the two of them, dancing and singing, celebrating like the world had shifted beneath their feet.
Later that same evening, Mariah had reassured him. She could always read his eyes like a book. She told him she had a plan. He didn't know what it was until the night before he was due to report to Anchor City, where the campus was located.
He had been shocked to find her packing.
Their home in Lansas had been a furnished apartment. At first, he assumed she was moving to a cheaper place to ease the strain of his tuition. Hesitant but concerned, he asked if she was downsizing.
She didn't answer just gave him that sly, knowing smile.
Later, he learned she had rented a one-bedroom house near the university. The area was expensive, but one-bedrooms were slightly more affordable, as most students opted for studios.
She had moved just to be closer to him. To support him silently, from nearby.
Knowing the sacrifices she made, Martin had made a quiet vow: one day, she would live like a queen.
He began writing novels in his spare time. He enrolled in free online programming courses, hoping to earn money through freelancing. He saved every coin he earned from sporadic gigs, his frugality helping him build a modest lump sum.
Though Mariah had firmly barred him from taking part-time jobs, Martin found ways to work online, late into the night, always in secret. He wanted to ease her burden without her ever knowing.
Today's rejection had been a wake-up call. He had thrown all caution to the wind by offering his heart to Aria. He had wanted to walk by her side, sharing silent support for the rest of their lives.
He also hoped that having a girlfriend might lessen his mother's worry that she'd see him moving forward.
He had planned to share the double news with his mother after Aria's acceptance. But plans, it turned out, could not keep up with life's twists.
He walked downstairs, anticipating the delicious dinner his mother had prepared.
They shared a spontaneous meal together, warm and familiar. The only thing missing was a glass of wine but since neither of them drank, nothing truly felt absent.
"Mom," he said quietly.
He had played this conversation countless times in his mind, but now, the words clung to his throat.
"I... I have something to say," he blurted out.
He was nervous, and Mariah noticed. She gave him an encouraging look, quietly waiting. She knew his alogia the way words escaped him when nerves took over.
"Let's set up a business," he said suddenly.
"...even if it's just a small store. You can run it while resting. Your part-time jobs are overwhelming. You could hire some help... I, please..."
He trailed off, unable to find more words. He lowered his head, ashamed. He didn't want her to think he disrespected her hard work.
"It's okay, dear," Mariah said gently, patting his head.
"Don't overthink. I understand your concern. But business needs capital, sweetheart. My credit score is poor I can't get a loan." She tried to explain without crushing his hope. "When you're done with school and better off, I'll be happy to see you successful. For now, focus on your coursework. Have some fun. Stop living like us old people," she added with a dry chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.
He raised his head, looking at her. She was his pillar. His quiet strength.
He made a firm decision, no more secrets. No more freelancing behind her back.
"Mom," he said again, this time in a rare, steady tone.
"I'm sorry, but everything I've done... it was only to make sure you have an easier life."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"It's not what you think. I've never done anything I'd be ashamed of. It's just... it's just..." He stumbled, struggling to get the words out.
"Take your time, dear," she said softly.
"I've been working online as a freelancer. I'm sorry. I just... I wanted to share your burden."
He slumped in his seat, afraid to see the disappointment in her eyes.
But instead,
"Ha! You're killing me with laughter!"
Her bell-like laughter echoed through the dining room.
He looked up at her, confused. She was laughing freely, and he didn't understand.
Has she gone mad from anger? He wondered.
Looking at his dumbfounded face, Mariah couldn't hold back her laughter. She burst out laughing, even punching the table as silverware chimed from the impact. Amid the clinking and her uncontrollable giggles, Martin sat helpless.
"You silly child," Mariah said, trying to catch her breath between laughs. "You're a terrible liar. Honestly, you don't know how to lie at all!" she teased, jabbing a finger at him.
Martin was stunned.
"I knew you were up to something. We have a joint bank account how could you possibly think you'd hide your little tricks from me?" Mariah said, smiling warmly.
"In fact, I was just waiting for you to come clean. I didn't investigate because I trust you completely."
"Here's a polished and emotionally nuanced version of your scene. I've kept the tone and structure true to your vision while improving grammar, pacing, and emotional clarity:
"But I can't take your money. Soon you'll have a little girlfriend to take care of. Forget about this old woman," she said with a chuckle.
The word "girlfriend" snapped him out of his daze.
"Haha!" Mariah laughed, catching his startled expression. She loved teasing him and watching his face shift like a live anime protagonist.
"By the way, how's Aria?" she asked casually unaware that her question was rubbing salt into a raw wound.
"Are you still planning to date her?"
"Mum!" he blurted, his face burning red with embarrassment.
Something wasn't right. Mariah noticed immediately.
On any other day, just the mention of Aria would make Martin smile like a fool. He'd go quiet, dreamy-eyed, or start rambling nervously. But this time… it was different.
"Did something happen between you two?" she asked gently, concern replacing her teasing tone.
"No, Mum. Nothing happened," Martin replied, exhaling slowly. "I… I proposed to her. But she rejected me."
He said it calmly he was well past the initial sting but the weight of those words lingered in the air.
Mariah didn't know what to say. Instead, she reached over and patted his back softly, offering silent support. She knew her son well words wouldn't fix this. But presence might help soothe the ache.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know," she whispered. "You'll find someone someone who truly understands you."