They got shorter. Hurrying. Distracted. Sometimes she would say, « I’ll call you later, Mom, » and then not call until the next day. Sometimes she sounded tired in a way I could not reach through the phone. Sometimes, when I asked what was wrong, she said, « Nothing. Just hospital placement stuff. »
A mother’s mind is dangerous when it has silence to work with.
So I started asking-questions.
« Did you make friends? »
« Yes. »
« Anyone special? »
She laughed too quickly. « Mom. »
That told me more than any answer could have.
Then she told me she was coming home for a visit.
I was thrilled.
Continue on the next page:
