The house was unusually quiet that afternoon. CUTIS sat alone on the steps, swinging his feet back and forth, his head lowered. Earlier, he had spoken too loudly and impatiently when Mom asked him to help. The words had slipped out before he could stop them, and the look on Mom’s face stayed in his mind. Even though she didn’t scold him, the silence that followed felt heavier than any punishment.
From the kitchen, Mom moved slowly, pretending to stay busy. She knew CUTIS needed time. Meanwhile, CUTIS replayed the moment again and again, his chest tight with regret. He remembered how Mom always listened to him, how she stayed up late when he was sick, and how she smiled even when she was tired. The more he thought, the more he realized how much his words must have hurt.
After a long while, CUTIS stood up. His steps were small and hesitant as he walked into the kitchen. Mom turned around, surprised to see him standing there with teary eyes. CUTIS took a deep breath, clutching the edge of his shirt. “Mom,” he said softly, his voice trembling, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that.”
For a moment, Mom didn’t say anything. She knelt down so they were face to face, gently brushing CUTIS’s hair back. “Thank you for saying sorry,” she replied quietly. “It takes courage to admit when we’re wrong.” CUTIS’s eyes filled with tears as he nodded, feeling the weight in his heart slowly lift.
Mom pulled him into a warm hug, holding him close. CUTIS buried his face in her shoulder, finally letting out everything he had been holding in. In that embrace, there was no anger—only understanding and love.
The room seemed brighter somehow. CUTIS felt lighter, safer, and proud of himself. Mom smiled and kissed his forehead. “We all make mistakes,” she said. “What matters is learning from them.”
That simple apology became something special—a moment neither of them would forget. It wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it was full of honesty and love. In that quiet kitchen, CUTIS learned that saying sorry can heal hearts and make love grow even stronger.
