As Joe stepped into the kitchen, the familiar, comforting smells of home surrounded him. Skylar, focused on preparing a quick meal, didn’t notice him at first. He watched her for a moment, his expression softening as he took in the sight of her working, seemingly unaware of the tension that had unfolded earlier.
“Did you cook all this yourself?” Joe asked, his voice gentle as he leaned against the doorframe, his earlier frustration forgotten in the warmth of the scene.
Skylar looked up, startled by his sudden appearance. She smiled, though there was still a hint of weariness in her eyes. “I needed something to eat after everything that happened tonight,” she replied, wiping her hands on a towel. “I didn’t expect to get so caught up in all of this.”
Joe nodded, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’ve always been the one to take care of things,” he said, stepping closer to the counter. “I didn’t expect you to be dealing with that mess with your brothers. But it’s good to see you standing up for yourself.”
Skylar’s expression softened as she continued with her task, chopping vegetables with precision. “I’m not going to let them push me around anymore. I’ve spent too many years trying to please them, only for it to be thrown back in my face.”
Joe observed her for a moment, the weight of his thoughts evident in his silence. “I don’t blame you,” he finally said, his voice carrying an understanding tone. “Your family… they’ve always had their expectations, but they don’t get to decide who you are or who you become.”
Skylar paused for a moment, her knife hovering over the cutting board as she considered his words. She appreciated his support, but something inside her still felt unsettled. “I’m just… I don’t know, Joe,” she admitted, her shoulders slumping slightly. “They’ll never accept who I am now. And I’m not sure I care, but… I’m not sure what comes next.”
Joe stepped closer, his voice firm but gentle as he spoke. “What comes next is entirely up to you. You’ve shown everyone who you are. It’s their problem if they can’t see that.”
Skylar gave him a small smile, grateful for his words. She had always known that Joe was the one person who understood her most, who saw beyond the surface to the person she truly was. It was a comfort, even if she wasn’t quite sure how to move forward yet.
Just then, Gloria’s voice came from the doorway. “Skylar, dear, dinner is almost ready? Are you coming to join us?”
Skylar quickly finished up the last of her prep and turned to Gloria. “I’ll be right there, Grandma.” She flashed a quick smile at Joe. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
Joe gave a small nod, then watched as Skylar disappeared into the living room. He stayed behind, his mind still turning over the events of the night, wondering what the future held for her—and for them. Despite the rocky start, he knew Skylar had something strong inside of her. And he wasn’t about to let her face it alone.
As Skylar sat down for dinner, her mind wandered back to the conversation she’d had with her brothers, the weight of their words lingering in her mind. But at the same time, she felt something lighter—something like hope—beginning to take root. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could finally start living for herself. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to begin moving forward.
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