Thanks to all my reviewers and readers from around the world! Please enjoy this next one-shot scene based on "The Signing". Also, when you're done, please comment! I'm wanting to try some writing challenges on some of the upcoming episode one-shots, so if you have suggestions, please share! Thank you, and please enjoy!

One cold and wet February day Sue leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples as she thought over the card that she had just received. It was a note from Troy, thanking her for her help in getting into art school. He was several months into the program and had written, "Thank you, Sue, for helping me get into this program. It is really helping me turn my life around, and I owe it all to you. No one else ever cared about any of my talents besides breaking into a car before I met you."

Sue thought back. Working with Troy had been an eye-opening experience. She had never realized before that she was so blessed to have grown up in the family that she did. She reached down and pet Levi's head.

"Levi, I always kind of resented my mom for being so overbearing and pushy, but - you know? - I could have had it a lot worse. I really did love the majority of the hobbies that my parents had me involved in. I enjoyed playing piano and absolutely loved figure skating for as long as I did it. My parents supported me through all of those. I know that they had to make a lot of sacrifices for me to be so privileged. They, well, my mom in particular, has been overbearing at some points, but she was there for me every step of the way. She helped me apply to scholarships and get into wonderful schools and programs, all along the way."

Levi whined as Sue had stopped petting him during her reflections. She continued petting him and went on with her wonderings.

"My parents helped me find my talents and encouraged me as I found my passions and purpose. I have great brothers, caring parents, patient teachers, a fabulous job, and amazing friends."

Levi whined and Sue laughed.

"And yes, a one-of-a-kind dog." Her face became serious. "But you know, Levi, I could have ended up like Troy. He's been into illegal dealings for years. He didn't feel fulfilled or purposeful without stealing. He had talents but he was never really encouraged to develop them. I just feel so sad for him - he has wasted so much of his life partly because he didn't have anyone to help him. And Levi, if my parents hadn't been so encouraging and helpful, I could have ended up like that."

Levi looked up at her sympathetically.

"Levi, I was so blessed. It felt like my mom was hard on me, but that was because she felt like she was always fighting the hard world around me. And you know? I think that I've spent too much time fighting my mom. We got a bit better at Christmas, but I think that thanking my mom would be the next move toward a healthy relationship between us ."

Levi barked.

"I'll do that now," Sue said as she set down the card and picked up her phone. She dialed her parent's phone number and watched the screen.

HI, read the words on the screen.

"Hi, this is Sue."

OH, SUE! IT'S GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU. THIS IS MOM.

"Hi, Mom. I was actually calling to talk to you."

IS EVERYTHING OKAY?

"Yes. I just wanted to say thank you."

FOR WHAT?

"Everything. Absolutely everything."