>>5644491You walk over to her, sitting down opposite her. “I am actually sorry to leave you explaining that to Buu, y’know.”
“Well, you knew I’d explain it better.” she says with a smile.
https://youtu.be/ygbE4SgFZvQ“...Hey, mom, how are you feeling?” you ask after a bit of hesitation. “Be honest.”
She keeps up the smile, sitting up a bit. “I’m holding up well, all things considered. How about you, son?”
“About the same…” you say, implying that you’re pretty sure she’s not holding it as well as she says she is. “Still… that sting of guilt that dad was… you know…”
Her smile grows more melancholic, and she nods. “Yeah. But I’m certain he’s still fine, Goku’s always been able to take care of himself, even if he has his reckless moments.”
“You sure you don’t want to talk about it for a bit? I’m here for ya, mom.”
She takes in a deep breath and sighs it out. “Well, for starters, I’d like you to not blame yourself over this, Gohan. I know how it looks, to you, but I also know my Goku. Your dad wouldn’t want you beating yourself up over this, and I don’t either.” She stands up, walking over to where she has Rainbow resting on her display. She gently places her hand on the sword’s scabbard. “You’ve gone out of your way to try and fix things you think are your fault, son. It’s crossed your mind more than once on how you can try to get him back, hasn’t it?”
“...I mean…” You look away and rub the back of your neck.
“Guess you get that from me.” she continues, looking back to you. “It’s crossed my mind several times. If I were to go there instead, if I had some people try to Multi-Form, if I we didn’t split everyone up, if…” Her smile finally disappears. “And yet each one of those come with their own risks. More people could have been displaced. More people could have ended up like Tien. More people could have gotten seriously hurt, or worse.”
You hang your head. “Yeah…” She’s right, things could have gone much worse. Can’t imagine what mom and dad and Peppa would go through if it were you that got displaced, or you and Peppa, or just… any other people. “Bottling any of it in?”
“Trying not to, as best I can. That should go the same for you, Gohan.” She walks back, sitting by you and patting you on the head. “Even if I know from experience he’s gonna be just fine, it doesn’t suddenly make those worries disappear. They’re natural feelings, and a sign you care. If we try to ignore those feelings, they’ll end up hurting more when let out.”
“Okay. I’ll try not to bottle things up. And… still, talk with us if ever need, mom. If I’m gonna take after you in wondering how I can fix things that have already happened, then I should take after you in trying to help people by talking with them, just like now.”
(cont.)
