Family birthdays were easier, emergency pickups were possible, and nobody had to drive across town for Sunday dinner.
Looking back, I should have paid attention to how often Rachel used the word « available. »
Rachel used to joke that Mom was basically her bonus mother. I thought she meant affection.
Looking back, I should have paid attention to how often Rachel used the word « available. »
She never asked whether Mom had plans. She asked whether Mom was home, which Rachel treated as the same thing.
At the time, I missed the difference completely.
One Tuesday evening, I left work early after a meeting was canceled. I decided to surprise Mom with takeout from her favorite Thai place.
When I reached her house, the front door was unlocked.
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