Control

I had to actually consider my response. I wasn't sure what to say, what to share. So I settled on the obvious, normal stuff.

"I don't know." I said, then elaborated on seeing my mothers' concerned looks. "Classes are going well, my assignments are on time, don't worry. I'm just not sure I want to graduate to be an executive in some marketing company."

Val snorted, "You're figuring that out after two and a half years?"

"Be nice," Ava reprimanded her, but I just chuckled.

"We can't all be geniuses, Val."

"So... What do you want to do?" Mami prodded, over Val's embarrassed denial.

They were a lot more concerned about this than I was. I appreciated it, but it didn't really help me make a decision.

"Haven't figured it out yet. I'm going to finish out the last two months of this semester, at least, take a sabbatical. Maybe work, maybe travel a little, figure out what I want to do."

"Are you sure, honey?" Mom asked, and mami quickly joined in. "We just want what's best for you, but... Wouldn't it be better to finish your degree first?"

I sighed, slightly exasperated, "Relax, okay? You can trust me. I'll figure out what I want, and I'll be fine. I can make decisions on my own."

They all went glassy-eyed.

Mom and Val accepted it easily, despite mom's earlier concern. Jua looked conflicted though.

She was a good mom, too, but she'd always been a bit of a micro-manager. She wanted to be in control, no matter the situation.

"Mami, just trust me. I'm old enough to be in charge of my own life." She was clearly still in disagreement, so I pushed it. "Do as I say. Relax and let me make the decisions. It will feel good, okay? Just let go of the need to be in control. Feel the tension seep away. You can do that, can't you? It feels good, doesn't it?" She nodded, finally. "Thank you. I'm happy you agree."

Mami shivered, her face flushing, and that made me reverse course slightly. I hadn't planned for that, and I didn't know how I felt about it. "G-good. Then let's not discuss it any more, okay?"

"O-okay, honey. Y-you make the decisions."

Mom and Val didn't seem to notice that her voice was breathy, thank god. We gradually settled back into small talk, mami and I mostly focusing on our plates.

I ate seconds, and thirds - there wouldn't be any leftovers tomorrow. It wasn't the insane hunger from yesterday and earlier today, but I seemed bottomless.

"Thanks for dinner, mom, Val. It was great, as always." My mother gave me a kiss on the cheek as she and Val left us to clear the table. Just me and mami Jua, all alone.