Yes, but break out the wine

As I pondered the offer, mom added, "Oh and since Alice won't be joining, I have a bottle of prosecco I've been saving for a special occasion." She got up and started taking the plates away, boxing up Alice's for later.

I got up and helped clean the dishes. "Oh, screw it," I said. "Sure, that sounds kinda fun."

Mom smiled, and we finished our work in relative silence. But it was an easier silence this time, less oppressive. I wasn't ready to start shooting the breeze with her, but it felt okay enough to be in the same room together.

Once the plates were cleared, mom went to the fridge to get out the wine, and I went to grab the glasses from the cabinet. I must have missed a wet spot on the floor, because suddenly the room flipped and before I knew it, I was heading straight for the floor.