I saw Stephen and Sarah in the crowd the entire time, their expressions a mixture of shame and dread. Despite their desire for me to disappear into the background, I ended up taking center stage. I walked back to Stephen and Sarah after the procession, where they were now awkwardly standing by the punch bowl. They appeared to be at a loss for words, so I chose to break the ice. “You know, I think the two of you could benefit from something I learned a long time ago,” I added. Both of them stared at me, impatient. “I discovered that life is too short to abide by the norms set by other people. I shall do what I choose, whether it be to wear red lipstick, a red dress, or anything else that makes me happy. And if someone is offended by it, that is their issue, not mine.Stephen shuffling his feet, Sarah cast a visibly uncomfortable glance down.
Finally, he added, “Mom, we didn’t mean to upset you.” “We simply… didn’t consider the potential harm our words could cause you.” I gave a nod. “Words matter; I know you didn’t mean to be unkind. And it’s my responsibility as your mother to remind you of that. A pause occurred while my words took effect. Sarah finally said something. “Edith, you’re accurate. I apologize for my remarks. I suppose I was unaware of the significance of that lipstick to you. I softened a little and smiled. “My sweetheart, it’s not just the lipstick. It’s about staying loyal to who you are, regardless of what other people may think. You two will learn that someday because you’re still young. Stephen extended his arm to embrace me. “Mom, thank you. For what it’s worth, you looked fantastic today outside. I winked and answered, “Damn right I did.”The block party continued, and even after the immediate shock of my audacious arrival subsided, the lesson I had planned to impart remained relevant. After our talk, Sarah and Stephen were more reflective and quiet. I observed the cogs in their heads spinning as they considered what I had said.
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