“So… thank you for joining me here at the… the dining room table…”

“Uhm… your welcome? What did you want to talk about honey?”

I’ve known this moment has been coming for a long time now. Cynthia, my daughter, is sitting across from me, and my husband Robert is next to me. We’ve been called by Cynthia for some… “big, unexpected news.” Behold to her expectations, I know the exact words about to rush out of her mouth.

“So mom… remember that time you were asking about my boyfriend… and I told you I didn’t have one, but I was in a relationship…”

“Yes, what about it honey?” I questioned.

“And you remember that time you came into my room… and my friend Emily was there…”

“Yes! Emily. I remember her. Such a sweet girl, I hope she finds the right person for her.” I said. With Cynthia, conversations are like a game of chess. You must stay ahead. Know what moves your opponent will fall for before they even know they are in danger.

‘Yes… about that…” She added, eyes drifting to the left. Checkmate.

“About what?” I questioned. I need to push her over the edge.

“Emily. She… actually has found… the right person,” Cynthia mumbled… her voice began to shake. We’re almost there… just a little more. “Who is it sweetie?”

Silence. My job is over.

“It’s… me. It’s me. I’m Emily’s girlfriend. Mom… I’m gay.”

A long pause followed this. I’ve always thought about this moment but never actually known what I was going to say.

“Oh sweetie… We know.”