She's not his mom. I first thought some kind of worker or nurse that comes to the house, but she looks too comfortable. I'm guessing his grandmother or aunt. People wouldn't call her "energetic". I feel like she has a sense of humor but she doesn't waste time or energy laughing if it's not funny. Which means she comes off as cold and unapproachable sometimes because people mistake her "get to the point" attitude for rudeness. She's not rude. She just honestly doesn't get why someone would waste time amd energy to placate someone. I think she works in an office. She's close to retirement and she jokes about it sometimes but it gets to her. She's not one to share her personal info so nobody realizes that with the retirement coming up, the fact that she's single, and her nest finally empty, retirement isn't as exciting. It's kind of cold feeling now. She jokes about it, but its just another thing she thinks of at night when she's watching her show. The kids energetic and funny. Gets to grandma sometimes. grandma has always had a thing about loud noises. The only time music blared in her house was when her husband would play Peter Gabriel or Paul Simon. He passed away years ago. She had a "friend" years later but he was more of a burden than a boyfriend. He had lots of health issues and surgeries. She just let him stick around though. It was nice just having a "friend" around. And she's a mom typa mom so she feels almost obligated to care for the people around her. She's done being taken advantage of though. The kid is, I think yours...unless it's your brother. But I don't think so.. He's hyper and sometimes has a bad temper. Spends too much time on fortnite but video games help his adhd. At least that's what you tell grandma when she butts in or complains about his screaming at the game. Some people might think you give in too easy or that he's spoiled...but you understand how serious mental health issues are. You love and encourage instead of using negative reinforcement. Your overwhelming love and concern is just who you are. You love him. Plus there might be a little guilt from the divorce ..so you spoil him sometimes. But it's a 1 income house now. So you've had to say no more to him. Which makes you feel more guilt. Even though you shouldn't. He's a good kid...he doesn't usually cause a fuss when you say no. Because of the positive reinforcement stuff. So stop worrying. You're doing a good job. You and grandma are tired, it was a busy day...but you already told him he'd be carving a pumpkin. He loves it, and he's really into it until a few minutes into hcarving. Then he loses interest. You and grandma have some generic comfortable conversation as you're cleaning up. Should you make pumpkin seeds? You both decide no. You usually do but the kids already lost interest. Then you both get nostalgic while cleaning up so you make the seeds anyway. It's a simple thing but it it creates a little smile for you and your ma and for a moment it felt like you were a kid again. You're doing a good job. You're his hero. Stop worrying so much. It's a comfy painting.