Unbreakable Bonds Pt. 1&2

[Aries]

Colby McCallum, a tall and lanky young man with a perpetually bewildered expression, steps into his Ma’s cozy Irish cottage. The smell of freshly baked soda bread wafts through the air. He looks around, expecting the usual calm and quiet atmosphere. Instead, he is greeted by a flurry of activity.

 

In the living room, Colby's ma, Siobhan, dances around like a whirlwind, clad in a flowery dressing gown and a pair of mismatched socks. She's attempting to put on makeup while simultaneously searching for her missing earring.

 

Colby's eyes widen, and he clutches the grocery bag tighter as he tries to make sense of the chaotic scene. Suddenly, Siobhan spots her reflection in a nearby mirror and gasps. She swiftly removes her dressing gown, revealing a stunning red cocktail dress underneath.

 

Colby's jaw drops as he watches his usually reserved mother transform into an effervescent, glamorous lady. Siobhan grabs a feathered boa and playfully twirls it around, accidentally knocking over a stack of books in the process.

 

Colby tries to stifle a laugh, but it escapes in a snort. Siobhan freezes, her eyes darting towards him, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face. She beckons Colby over, gesturing for him to join in the festivities.

 

Caught off guard, Colby hesitates for a moment before setting down the grocery bag. He mimics his mother's twirl with the feathered boa, but his lack of grace causes him to trip over a stray shoe, nearly toppling a vase of flowers.

 

Colby: “You see that, Ma? You can’t have me tryin’ to dance. I got three left feet.”

 

Siobhan: “Oh, but you look so cute with the boa, Colby Bear!”

 

Colby: “Ma! What the f— heck did I say about callin’ me that? I’m 26 years old!”

 

Siobhan: “You’re right, I forgot. My boy is too old for his ma, now!”

 

Colby and Siobhan burst into laughter.

 

Colby: “Listen, Ma. You know why I’m here. I don’t know what you were thinkin’ lettin’ that balloon-headed pr— JERK, anywhere in this house.”

 

Siobhan: “I was thinkin’ I wanted to talk to someone! You and your sister are off wrestlin’, your Da’s gone. I have no one here! Besides, I thought he was nice!”

 

Colby’s jaw drops again in disbelief, wondering if his Ma had finally gone mental.

 

Colby: NICE?! YOU THINK HE WAS NICE?! Did you not hear anything he said after you left the room?! That man is anything but nice. He’s a big, stupid motherf—”

 

Siobhan: “Watch your mouth now! I’m your Ma, not one of them cheap girls you’re always Tweetin’ and postin’ about!”

 

Colby’s face turns red as the hair on his head, not realizing all the things his Ma had seen were things he thought were private.

 

Colby: “What do you mean Tweetin’?! I was just likin’ things, Ma! I'm a grown-ass man!”

 

Siobhan: “I’ve seen the things you like!You’re lucky Jesus is still in Heaven boy, or he’d probably keel over again with embarrassment!”

 

Colby: “Alright, alright! Enough about that. I’ll do better next time. Now, what were you even gettin’ all fancy for, Ma?”

 

Siobhan: “Fancy? This? I’m just goin’ out to meet someone...”

 

Colby’s face turns sour as he walks up to his Ma, and gets in her face.

 

Colby: “What do you mean “meet someone”?”

 

Siobhan: “What? Do you think because you’re two inches taller than me that I’m scared of ya? Yes, I’m goin’ to meet someone. It’s called a date.”

 

Colby: “A DATE?! I swear Ma, if you say you’re goin’ out to meet that hemorrhoid-headed baboon, I might have to finally put you in a home.”

 

Siobhan: “No, silly! It’s a man I met…on Bumble.”

 

Colby: “BUMBLE?! MY MA USES BUMBLE?! I think I need to sit down…”

 

Colby stumbles to the kitchen chair and has a seat as his Ma bursts out laughing again.

 

Colby: “Do you need me to come along? Make sure you’re safe?”

 

Siobhan walks up to her son and gently pinches his already reddened cheek.

 

Siobhan: “Well aren’t you sweet, Colby Bear? Not at all. You need to stay home, relax, and have some of this soda bread I made. I know it’s your favorite.”

 

Colby exhales, letting go a brief, gentle smile as his mother pulls the soda bread out of the oven and places it on the kitchen table. Before eating, she extends her hand, and pulls her son out of his chair. They dance together clumsily, spinning around in circles, knocking into furniture and creating even more chaos.

[Aries]

Colby McCallum sat in his cozy home in Ireland, eyes fixed on the television screen. It was an ordinary evening, and he sought solace in the comforting glow of the familiar programs that often graced the living room. However, this night was different. As he flicked through the channels, he stumbled upon a late airing of the recent OCW Turmoil on RTÉ One.

 

His attention was immediately captured when he saw a familiar location on the screen. It was the cemetery where his father, Stephen McCallum, rested in eternal slumber. Colby's heart skipped a beat as he saw the camera pan to a figure standing before the gravestone, a man he wished he didn’t have to see every single week. It was OWEN, The Mat Enforcer.

 

Silently, Colby leaned forward, his eyes locked on the screen. OWEN's voice, narrating the somber scene, resonated through the room. Colby's mother, who had been out for a few hours now, was the topic of discussion. OWEN spoke about her kindness, her unwavering support for Stephen, and the love she had for Colby.

 

As the segment on the show continued, Colby found himself lost in reflection. He remembered the moments his parents shared, the laughter that echoed through their home, and the dreams they had for their family. His eyes welled up with tears, emotions he had suppressed for so long now resurfacing.

 

In that solitary moment, watching OWEN reminisce about his father, Colby realized the profound impact his parents had on him. Their love and guidance shaped him into the person he was today. And though they were physically absent, their spirits continued to dwell within him, a comforting presence that never truly faded away.

 

The segment ended, but the impact lingered. Colby remained seated, allowing the weight of his emotions to settle within him. He knew that life was fleeting, that the bonds we forge and the memories we create are the essence of our existence. With newfound clarity, he resolved to honor his father’s legacy.

 

Colby rose from his seat. He walked towards the old Davenport drawer chest in the hallway and pulled out a notebook and pen, aiming to leave his loving Ma a letter.

 

Ma,

I’m going back to America. I need to cave a British man’s face in. I’ll be back in time for dinner. See you soon.

Love, Colby Bear

 

He put the short letter where she would see it and stepped outside, gazing up at the starlit sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it a sense of peace. In that moment, Colby knew exactly what he had to do.