When I'm Gone
The day Dad brought my ashes home, Mom, who had claimed for years to be suffering from severe postpartum depression, suddenly told the truth.
"Actually, I made the illness up.
"We were never short on money, either. My company took off years ago. You never had to work six jobs a day until you nearly collapsed."
Dad froze, then looked up at her in disbelief.
Mom went on nonchalantly as if she were discussing nothing important.
"And that day on the highway, it wasn't because my depression flared up and I lost control, leaving Caleb at the rest stop by himself.
"He was spoiled by you. He actually dared to talk back to Adrian, so I left him there on purpose to teach him a lesson."
Dad's eyes grew redder and redder. After a long moment, he forced one question through his locked throat.
"Why?"
Mom gave a light laugh. At the red light, she reached over and touched his earlobe, as if she were talking about a tiny, harmless joke.
"Because you kept using my love for you as an excuse to bully Adrian. It was just a small punishment.
"Now the punishment is over. Daniel, you really have suffered these past six years. I'll make it up to you from now on.
"What about Caleb? Children recover quickly. He should be better by now, right? Why didn't he come home with you?"
Dad looked at her through tears.
Two seconds later, he suddenly laughed. With trembling fingers, he patted the urn in his arms.
"He's here."