Five Years Too Late
I bounced around beside her and shouted, "Mom, I'm here! I'm right here!"
But she couldn't see me at all.
Just then, her phone rang. Unable to stand the stink inside the house, she stepped outside to answer it.
I immediately followed her.
"Baby, be good. Mom will be home soon. I just stopped by to check on your brother.
"I bought your favorite cream puffs and fruit gummies. All the things you like.
"Yes, yes, I'll be back soon. Tonight, Mom will hold you while you sleep."
I froze. The happiness inside me turned cold, as if someone had dumped a basin of ice water over my head.