Nick approached his mother's bedroom door. He hesitated for a moment as he leaned in and listened for any signs of distress, hearing none. However, his concern for Carla's well-being led him to knock on her door. "Mom?" he called out cautiously. "Can I come in?"

Carla's muffled voice replied, "Of course, sweetie. Come in."

Nick, with a gentle hand, pushed open the door, revealing his mother seated at her desk, clad in a form-fitting black Lycra skirt and a long-sleeved, ruffled silk blouse. She embodied the image of a CEO, yet her eyes betrayed a touch of sorrow, and she seemed lost and forlorn.

He paused for a moment, studying her carefully. The lines on her face, the disheveled hair, and the faraway look in her eyes all spoke volumes. It was as if the weight of the world had settled upon her shoulders. As Nick drew closer, he called out to her softly, "Mom, is everything okay?" The question hung in the air, suspended between them like a delicate thread.

Carla offered a weary smile, brushing a lock of chestnut hair from her face. "Yes, everything's fine, Nick. Just working." She paused for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts. Her fingers traced the smooth surface of her thighs, covered in the sleek Lycra, enjoying the sensation and the soothing white noise it produced.

"I've been thinking a lot lately," Carla began, her voice soft. "Since I took over Desert-Desserts, things have been different. It's unfamiliar territory, but I believe I'm making the right choices."

Nick tilted his head, "Believe? Don't you have a, um, friend, who started this site from scratch to help? In a new machine Tex gifted you sitting right over there, still in the box?" He pointed to the unopened package on her desk.

Carla blinked, surprised. "Oh, that. Yes, I've been meaning to open it, but believe me when I say it wouldn't help in this situation" She forced a smile, trying to play off her hesitancy. In truth, she had been avoiding it, afraid of what she might find inside. Afraid of the memories it might bring back flood her heart once more and awaken the aching void within that MaXiNE used to fill.

"Have you ever considered the possibility of returning to the site, you know, as a broadcaster?" Nick posed the question to Carla, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope and curiosity. The question hung in the air, as if suspended by some invisible force, waiting for an answer.

Carla's eyes, filled with a mixture of amusement and a hint of sadness, met the inquisitive gaze of her son. She could sense the eagerness in his voice, the longing for a confirmation that had been building up inside him. "I have been asked that quite often by my other subscribers," she began, her voice soft but firm. "Their jealousy is touching," she continued, "but no."  She paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

Nick noticed his mother's discomfort and decided to drop it. "Well, maybe I'm the one a little jealous of your new job. Maybe I wanted to spend time with you. You know, before my semester starts back up." Nick said, crossing his arms.

Carla's face softened at her son's words. "I know, sweetie. I'm sorry I've been so distant lately. I'm still trying to find my footing with this whole CEO thing." She paused, taking a deep breath. "But you're right, I shouldn't neglect the people who matter most to me."

Nick nodded, appreciating his mother's honesty. "So, what can I do to help? Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you around here?" Nick asked, his voice filled with concern. "I know a thing or two about computers and the internet. Maybe I could help you optimize your online operations or something like that."

Carla smiled warmly at her son, touched by his offer. "That's very sweet of you, Nick. Okay, the team of web designers say we are using the new Web-MaXi-6.9 platform, are you certified on it?" She inquired, both genuinely curious and cautious.

Nick shook his head, realizing the speed in which the IT world changed increased dramatically after the rollout of MaXiNE. "I haven't worked much with that one, Mom, honestly. It was supposed to come out a month from now, but I can learn." He replied, eager to help.

Carla smiled, appreciating her son's willingness. "I appreciate the offer; I'll have a member of the team get you up to speed." She smiled warmly at her son, grateful for his support. "But what about you?" she asked, concerned. "How are you holding up with your coursework?"

Nick shrugged. "It's okay, I guess. I'm managing. I have a project due soon, but I think I can handle it."

Carla nodded, glad to hear that her son was doing well. She leaned back in her chair, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, and she found herself longing for simpler times.

Nick sensed his mother's fatigue and softly asked, "Would you like to take a break? Have some dinner, maybe watch a movie?" He offered, hoping to lift her spirits.

Carla smiled at her son, gratitude radiating from her. "I wouldn't say no to a foot rub and some comfort food," she admitted laughingly. "It's been a long day."

Nick grinned, a look of mischief in his eyes. "I know just the thing. I learned to make your favorite -- spaghetti and meatballs."

Carla raised an eyebrow, an impressed smile playing at her lips. "Well, that sounds absolutely perfect."