[Some small spoilers for "How Do I Say 'I Love You?'"]

Jutte sat at the table across from her mother. She nervously tapped her nails on the table, which her mother did not enjoy.

Jutte’s mother, Anette, cleared her throat, “Jutte dear… Do you want anything for your fifteenth birthday?”

Jutte stopped her tapping and perked up, “Uhm… Well, I want to say two things really… That’s all…”

This time, it was Anette’s turn to perk up, “Oh? What is it?” Anette shifted in her chair, “What do you want to say?”

“Well… The first thing is that I really want to enlist in the Army… Right now…” Jutte said.

Anette nodded, “Well, of course, I’ll support that, your brothers want to join too… Though, Kieran is definitely having second thoughts… But the thought of losing my little girl tears me apart inside!”

Jutte nodded and gave a small smile, “And then the next thing…” Jutte started. She inhaled deeply and rubbed her forehead, “I am… I’m… I’m gay!” Jutte blurted out.

Anette nodded and held a hand to Jutte, “Take my hand,” Anette said.

Jutte complied and took her mother's hand, “What is this for?” Jutte asked, “Are you not okay with it?”

Anette shushed Jutte, “I want you to look at your hand, it’s the same as it always was, isn’t it?” Anette asked.

Jutte nodded, “Yeah…”

Anette smiled, “Now, your hand is an extension of you… You haven’t changed, just like your hand hasn’t changed, you will always be my little girl, no matter what type of person you grow up to be.”

Jutte beamed and began to tear up, “Thank you, mom… I… I didn’t expect so much support from you… If it were dad…”

Anette’s smile soured, “Your father… Is a special case… You will always have a place in this family, I hope you always remember that, Jutte… You always have a home.”