Jack was deeply immersed in his game, fingers dancing over the controller with practiced ease. The world outside seemed to vanish, leaving only the vibrant colors of the screen and the comforting hum of the console.

"Jack, you need to stop playing and do your chores," she declared, her voice cutting through the digital sounds like a knife through butter. Jack's shoulders slumped as he paused the game, the weight of reality pressing down on him.

With a sigh, Jack picked up a broom, his grip tightening in frustration. "I can do this," he muttered to himself, channeling his anger into each sweeping motion, determined to finish his tasks quickly.

"Why do I always have to do everything?" Jack exclaimed, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and exhaustion. Tears welled up in his eyes as he faced his mother, his frustration boiling over.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't realize how upset you were," she said softly, wrapping her arms around him. Jack leaned into the embrace, his tears flowing freely as the tension melted away.

"Thank you, Mom," Jack whispered, a small smile playing on his lips. His mother wiped away her own tears of relief, grateful for the chance to mend their bond.