[ There's a pause. Maybe she just imagined it, but she can see the weight lift off him a bit within his smile. She doesn't really know what to say, but she's come to understand the value of little "reminders" every now and again. She hums to acknowledge that, and makes a note that he might need one again in the future. ]

It is not so strange. They're your parents... We are raised to care what they think, even when it feels like they do not. It's a value that's been instilled in all of us.

[ Some things really don't change. ]

Hear them, but do not let them define you.