Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 94 – A Polished Version of Me

"Are you planning to do more of that, or... something more practical?" her aunt chimed in, sipping her iced tea. "You're very smart—you could do something safer, more stable."

Her mother chuckled lightly beside her, patting Evelyn's hand. "She's still figuring things out. I keep telling her it's good to explore, but eventually, she'll want something secure."

Evelyn's fingers curled in her lap. She took a slow breath.

"She has a good eye for design too," her mother continued. "I've told her—maybe marketing, something corporate, something she could do remotely. Flexible but solid."

Evelyn set her fork down. "Actually... I don't want that."

The words came softly, but clearly. Her mother's smile faltered.

"I mean," Evelyn said gently, "it's kind that you think about what's best for me. But I want to build something real in the film. Not because it's flashy. Because it means something to me."

The table went quiet for a moment.

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Her cousin laughed awkwardly. "Well, as long as you're happy, right?"

Her mother's hand stiffened on her arm. "Of course. But passion doesn't pay the bills. She knows that."

Evelyn looked at her mother directly now. "I know. But I also know I can work hard for what I love. It's not about being reckless. It's about choosing what feels right—even if it takes time."

There it was again—that subtle shift in the atmosphere, like someone knocking a glass off balance. Her mother looked at her, not angry, but visibly uncomfortable. Like someone watching their reflection warp in a mirror.

The conversation moved on, but Evelyn knew the tension had settled in like dust.

Back at the House

That evening, her mother moved around the kitchen quietly. Evelyn sat at the table with a cup of tea, watching her slice fruit without a word.

"You embarrassed me a little," her mother said suddenly.

Evelyn looked up. "I didn't mean to."

"You contradict me. In front of everyone."

"I wasn't trying to shame you," Evelyn said softly. "I was trying to speak for myself."

Her mother sighed. "It just felt... dismissive."

"I get that. And I'm sorry it felt that way," Evelyn replied, gently. "But it also felt like you were speaking for me. Like I didn't get to be there as myself—just some edited version you'd pre-approved."

Her mother was silent for a long moment.

"You used to be easier to manage," she murmured.

Evelyn smiled sadly. "I think I just used to be quieter."

The knife stilled in her mother's hand.

"I'm not trying to fight you, Mom," Evelyn added. "I just need space to become the version of me that feels... honest. Even if it doesn't look like what you imagined."

Her mother turned toward her finally. "And what if that version fails?"

Evelyn met her gaze. "Then I'll fail on my terms. And I'll get back up the same way."

A long silence passed between them, and then her mother returned to cutting apples—slower this time, but not angry.

Maybe not in agreement. But maybe the beginning of listening.

Later That Night

Evelyn curled up on her bed again, this time without the weight in her chest. She opened her phone and recorded a voice note for Adrian.

"Hey. It wasn't easy, but I think I drew a line today. Not a harsh one, just... honest. My mom didn't yell. She didn't agree either. But I said what I needed to say. And for once, I didn't feel guilty about that. I'm still shaking a little, but... in a good way. Like my voice matters again."

She paused, then added softly, "Thank you. For believing I could say it."

She sent the message and pulled her blanket tighter around her shoulders.

The silence in the house felt different tonight. Not peaceful, exactly—but no longer crushing.

Just quiet.

And in that quiet, Evelyn finally felt like herself again.