Bonnie couldn't quite describe the feeling that washed over her when she read that essay. It was as if a gentle wave had struck her heart, pulling back and forth across her soul.
She hadn't cried in a long time, but at that moment, a massive lump formed in her throat.
From the second she found out she was pregnant, she had constantly worried about how to raise her child. She desperately wanted to ensure that the tragedies she and Lawrence had endured in their own youths would never be repeated in their son's life.
Every parent had to grow up eventually, striving to shield their children from the unfairness, dissatisfaction, pain, and regrets they themselves had faced.
It was an unavoidable struggle.
Some parents succeeded, pouring their efforts into showering their children with love. Others failed, or simply grew too tired, repeating the same toxic cycles amidst the daily grind.
Because of this, Bonnie never wanted to put too much pressure on Hayden. She never forced him into excessive tutoring or demanded he follow a rigid path.
Even when Hayden made mistakes out of childish ignorance—things adults would consider wrong—Bonnie never used harsh or punishing words to discipline him.
She never felt that being a parent gave her the right to exercise absolute control over his life.
They were equals.
While Lawrence was slightly stricter when it came to Hayden's academics and discipline, he worked hard to find the perfect balance.
Together, they learned how to be a great mother and father.
They never even considered having a second child, terrified it might take away from the care and affection they gave Hayden. Perhaps the worry was unfounded, but they only wanted to give their absolute all to their son in this lifetime.
However, because Hayden was so introverted and quiet, Bonnie and Lawrence sometimes wondered if their parenting style was actually working.

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