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141 Am1 Doing The Right Thing%,
141 Am | Doing The Right Thing? (Winona)
The next day, Judy is visiting to spend stwith Abby after picking her up from preschool for me. I'm in the
kitchen preparing ssnacks while Judy and Abby are in the living room chatting.
Judy's laughter and Abby's giggles fill the air, creating a seemingly perfect picture of family harmony.
As | bring out a tray of snacks, Judy looks up and smiles. "Thank you, Winona. Abby, look at these delicious treats
your mom made for us."
Abby grins. "Thanks, Mommy! Yum!"
"You're welcome, Sweety," | say, admiring her work. "Go wash up before you eat."
Abby runs to the bathroom.
Judy takes a seat next to me, her expression turning more serious. "Winona, can we talk for a moment?"
I nod. "Of course, Judy. What's on your mind?"
She lowers her voice. "I've been worried about Jayden, Have you noticed how volatile he's been lately?" "Look,
with all due respect, Judy. You did almost have him killed while you were trying to kill me. I think he deserves to
be volatile, and more." "Point taken and | certainly expect he and | may never be in the sspace again."
"He's been through a lot, Judy. It's understandable that he's having a hard time."
She nods slowly. "I know, but it's more than that. He seems... different. He flies off the handle at every little
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthing. He never was that bad before | don't think."
| force a smile, trying to hide my own concerns. "It's been a rough few weeks. Maybe you should have thought
about his mental health before you tried to run his life for him."
Judy's eyes narrow slightly as she studies me. "I know you're trying to protect him, Winona. But you can talk to
me. If there's anything going on, anything you need help with, I'm here."
| swallow hard. Not frickin' likely woman. "Thank you, Judy. | appreciate that."
She reaches out and places a hand on mine. "I just want what's best for Jayden and Abby. And for you too. We're
family now."
I nod. "I know. And I'm grateful for your support.” | lied. | don't trust her in the least, but | am willing to play the
game. And she is definitely right about Jayden and his mood swings. Judy squeezes my hand before letting go.
| watch Abby run back in and grab sfruit, my mind swirling with doubt.
Judy's words have planted a seed of uncertainty within me.
Is Jayden's volatility just a result of everything he's been through, or is there something more to do with his
health?
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141 Am | Doing The Right Thing
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Later, after Judy has left and Abby is in bed, | sit with Jayden in my living room. He's reading spaperwork.
"Jayden, can we talk?" | ask, my voice tentative.
He looks up, a hint of irritation in his eyes. "About what?"
| take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Judy mentioned that she's noticed you've been more volatile
lately. Have you felt... different?"
He frowns, his expression darkening. "Why are you listening to her?"
"She knows you better than most people do. I'm just checking in with you."
"As if anything she has to say is going to be of concern to me..." He says like he doesn't care. "... What did she
say exactly?"
"She's just worried about you," | say carefully. "She thinks you've been more on edge."
Jayden closes his book with a snap, his jaw tightening. "I'm fine, Winona. | don't need her or anyone else telling
| reach out to him, but he pulls away. "Jayden, I'm just trying to understand our arguments lately. Maybe we need
to discuss this with a specialist."
"You say that like the arguments are all my fault. You're no princess lately either."
"But it seems you have a very strong reaction to things you wouldn't have done beforehand." | defend my
‘stance.
He stands up, pacing the room. "I don't need to talk about how everything is my fault. Maybe you can blame
global warming ontoo."
| watch him, feeling a pang of sadness. "I'm not trying to blyou. I'm trying to help you."
He stops and looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and frustration. "So you say."
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| feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "I'm sorry. | just thought it might be worth sphysical tests. To
check that everything is normal after your memories returning like that."
"With any luck | have mental health issues so then everyone can have empathy for me." His sarcasm shocks me.
"| think this conversation is a prexample of what | mean. You get so defensive and strike out." "Because I'm
constantly being attacked. I try to do nice things like plan an engagement celebration, I'm wrong. | try and give
you the freedom to not have to work, I'm wrong. Maybe | should have just died." "Don't say that Jayden. That's a
ridiculous attitude to have. No one wanted you dead. I'm the problem. If I'd just stayed away, none of this would
have happened. Maybe we just aren't meant to be."
"Do you really believe that?"
| shrug. "To be honest, | don't know what | believe anymore. But | do know, if this is how our daily life
Tat A1 The Bight Thun
looks, I don't want that
1 means that much to you"
I nod. "I want a peaceful family life. If I'm warring with you ever every little thing well, | just can't do that"
I'm half expecting him to go crazy and leave. But he doesn't.
"T'll try harder"
"Love shouldn't make you have to try hard
"Don't leave me, Winona Without you and Abby, | don't know what I'd do right now | don't want to be on this
earth without you both" Today's Bonus Offer
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