Mom: Lena, won’t you come with me to fetch Aunty Cleo? The hospital’s discharging her today.

Lena: Can’t Bree go with you? I’m going out later.

Mom: She’s working. I need help with Cleo’s things and the girls’ things too.

Lena: So, the girls are going back home?

Mom: Yes. So will you help me?

Lena: Ummm…

Mom: Please, Lena. Do it for Uncle Jesse. He was like a father to you. Don’t you remember how he used to run around to all the shops and malls looking for all the different toys you wanted? He went as far as Worcester to get you this doll that cried, crawled, and drank a bottle. He really did a lot for you. You were like his first child.

Lena: Urghhh fine. How long will it take? I have reservations with Claire, and we can’t be late, OK.

Mom: I don’t know how long it will take.

Lena: I just can’t be late for Claire, OK. I’ll come but then you HAVE to get me home by—

Mom: Never mind, just leave it.

Mom exits. Lena shrugs. 

Lena: OK.

Tell us: Do you find yourself reluctant to do things that make you feel strong emotions like sadness or guilt? Why or why not?