THREE MONTHS LATER
JUNIOR
Are we there yet?
Junior asked, as he saw the sign "Welcome to Illinois" through the side window.
AMANDA
Junior, please...
This time, Amanda was the one driving the car to New York, and she just wasn't having any of it.
AMANDA
Don't be a jerk!
BEATRIX
Amanda, stop insulting your brother!
AMANDA
But he's doing it just to mess with me!
JUNIOR
Why?! Are you nervous?
AMANDA
You don't know what driving is like!
JUNIOR
Neither do you, really... you barely got your driving licence...
AMANDA
And you will never know by the way... there are no cars in space, as far as I know...
JUNIOR
That doesn't mean...
BEATRIX
Will you two just stop bickering?!
Both of them immediately shut up and turned to look at the road ahead.
BEATRIX
The road to New York is long enough as it is, there's no need for you to make it even longer!
In reality though, Beatrix wished the road to New York would never end.
JUNIOR
Look! It's the Mississippi river, we've GOT to stop.
AMANDA
Yeah! I need a break...
BEATRIX
I guess, if we must...
Said their mother with an amused smile on her face.
Like many years before, they walked up to the scenic spot.
AMANDA
The Mississippi river!
BEATRIX
I remember the last time we were here...
JUNIOR
Yeah... also on our way to New York...
AMANDA
Dad was here too...
For an infinite moment they all stood still, taking in the beauty and trying to let go of their pain.
JUNIOR
Still beautiful...
AMANDA
I don't know...
JUNIOR
What?
AMANDA
It is majestic, don't get me wrong...
JUNIOR
And?
AMANDA
...and it's the Mississippi river!
JUNIOR
But?
AMANDA
It looks just like any other river...
Amanda said with a laugh.
JUNIOR
Oh, come on!
AMANDA
I know, I know... I was hoping I would get it this time, but clearly I don't...
And she went back to the car, out of the winter cold.
Junior was still lost in his thoughts when his mother addressed him.
BEATRIX
So...
JUNIOR
Mmh?
BEATRIX
How are you feeling?
JUNIOR
What do you mean?
BEATRIX
Well... it's a HUGE step you're taking...
Junior took a deep breath.
BEATRIX
You don't have to do it, you can say no...
JUNIOR
NO!
He instinctively replied, much too loudly.
He turned to face his mother. She had the same smile she always put on, but Junior had never seen her this tired and weary.
JUNIOR
I mean... yes. I want to do it.
BEATRIX
Yeah, I know that.
JUNIOR
I know it's going to be hard...
BEATRIX
Do you really?
JUNIOR
Yea...
His mother started laughing.
BEATRIX
You don't know, Junior. Nobody can know. Not this.
He couldn't reply. She was so right...
BEATRIX
You've got to accept that, but once you do, I promise you you'll feel better.
Junior nodded.
BEATRIX
You still won't have any clue as to what to do, but you'll feel better.
Said Beatrix with a warm smile.
JUNIOR
Will you be okay, though?
Said Junior, his voice breaking.
BEATRIX
I am okay, sweetie...
JUNIOR
But will you?
Insisted Junior, tears welling up in his eyes.
JUNIOR
I'M SORRY MOM!
He turned towards her and hugged her tightly.
JUNIOR
I'm sorry for going! I'm sorry for leaving you!
His mother said nothing, as Junior's tears rolled unrestrained down his cheeks.
JUNIOR
I'm sorry for ABANDONING you!
He let his tears flow, certain that there would not be another moment to tell his mother how he felt.
JUNIOR
I don't wanna leave you.
BEATRIX
But you must...
JUNIOR
No, I don't!
BEATRIX
Yes, you do...
JUNIOR
NO, MOM! I'm sorry I want to go...
BEATRIX
I forgive you...
At that, his tears started flowing even harder.
JUNIOR
MOM! MOOOOM!! I'm s-s-sooorrry!!!!
They remained hugged together for a long time, as long as the bitter cold allowed them to, as long as the tears kept flowing.
