You're not wrong. But you won't. I've yet to properly dismiss you, after all. And I won't do that... [ She releases it, puts her whole foot along it, and puts pressure on it. ] ... until I'm... satisfied... with your answer.
Your mother. [ She pulls a strand of hair behind her ear as she applies pressure again. ] I called her as much before, being well aware of your... unique circumstances.
Though I have to say, I didn't think she was that terrifying a creature... [ a chuckle ] Or perhaps not so terrifying, depending on your nature.
Believe me, I understand completely. I was one of the Academy's best. [ Although there's no record of her at this one. ] Talented beyond reason, beautiful and popular... The expectations and praised heaped upon me could only be described as "stifling."
[ After what probably seems like an eternity to him, she removes her foot entirely. She shifts to put both of her feet on the floor, then leans in, putting a crooked finger under his chin. ]
That's why I know exactly what you need. A breather.
[ And now she's going to do the unpardonable: a more tender touch, with her moving her hand from his chin to her bringing up her thumb to his cheek with a smoothing motion. ]
If I'm not wrong—and I'm certain I'm not—then you perform both at school and at home. You've no real place to relieve your tension. This causes you untold stress when you're presented with something that you want, but only "should not" have.
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