My heart was pounding as I lept after mom to her room. Just upstairs and past mine and Alice's rooms, was the master bedroom, one I've only ever been in a few times. It always felt so empty after dad left. No wonder mom had to find ways to keep herself satisfied. She never brought anybody home or went on dates that I could recall.
As I thought about it, for the very first time, I realized just how hard that must have been, raising two daughters by herself. Especially when one of them was me. "Huh," I thought. "Maybe I've been the distant one all these years."
I snapped out of these thoughts, when I came to mom's room, only to find the door shut. I was just about to knock when a muffled voice called out, "Just a second, dear." There was shuffling on the other side, drawers being opened.
I laughed. "I thought I was just coming to see the toys."
Mom called back, "Oh yes, but I have something extra special I want you to see."
"Oooh," I cooed. "What kind of special?"
"You'll just have to see. Patience is a virtue, dear."
"Ugh, mom."
I breathed deeply. How long had it been since we had jokes around like this. I never realized I was holding on to this weight before. It felt... nice to let it go.
"Okay!" mom finally said. "It's ready, come on in."
I took one last deep breath, and headed inside.
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