#empathichearts

While Bobby had known from talking to Eddie that Ramon was far from the best dad in the world, it wasn't until he'd heard Sophia's words that he realized just how awful the man truly was. White hot anger flowed through his veins and he was glad the Diaz patriarch lived in Texas, because Bobby's sudden urge to find the man and punch him in the face was strong.

Calming himself down, he placed a comforting hand on Sophia's shoulder. Bobby couldn't imagine speaking to his own kids that way, ever. Even with all the crap Harper had put him through, he never blamed her and never would. He couldn't understand why other people's parents were so callous towards their own children.

"I know this is going to sound like I'm just trying to tell you what you want to hear, but believe me when I say your father is wrong. It sound like he's the one crippling your family - not you. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to let his words resonate with you. From what your brother has told me, your father is someone who expects everyone to be perfect and gets angry when they don't live up to those unrealistic expectations."

He stopped, realized he might be overstepping and tried another tact.

Harper knew she should say no. She knew going to a club with Betsey would only lead to bad things happening. Not to mention she'd decided she wanted to turn over a new leaf. And yet ... there was something rather enticing about her friend's offer.

College had always been a long shot for Harper. Given her past and how she had a knack for not applying herself like she should, she had never really considered secondary education a palpable goal. Still, she had taken to applying to the same schools as Meagan with the vague hope that maybe the best friends would both be accepted to the same place - however unlikely that may be.

So, when her best friend had texted that her UCLA acceptance letter had arrived, Harper had raced out to her own mailbox, sifting through mail as she came back inside and finally explaining why she'd flown past to her perplexed looking father.

"UCLA letter," she stated simply before tearing it open and skimming the words, mouth dropping further open slowly the more she read. "I got in," she said quietly at first, and then more loudly. "I GOT IN!"

“I think we are going to have to move grocery day up a couple days because I just used the last of the milk for Christopher’s cereal and I’m pretty sure we’re out of waffles and bread as well.” Buck wasn’t entirely used to how quick groceries disappeared. When it was just him and Albert, they’d swapped turns and that had a lot to do with it. Now that he was living with Eddie and Chris, well - things ran out a lot faster. He wondered if he’d eaten this much when he was Christopher’s age, but quickly noted he still ate that much even at his age now.

So many of us go through life feeling unheard. And it doesn't have to be that way anymore. 🌱

The poll is still active so the final votes may differ. I try to host these check-ins at least twice a week.

It feels so cozy and is a safe space for anyone looking to share. I am loving it so much - thought of bringing it to my Tumblr.

Think of it like a small circle and we are sipping tea together, sharing our hearts.

🍵📝⛈️ 🐢💛

So how have you been feeling lately? 🤗

~

In case that's too personal, please feel free to share anything that is comfortable...

It has been a mixed bag for me - few days of soaking up the festive vibes of the city, getting back to routine and gently finding my rhythm.