A Kiss

"Come back and give me a kiss before you go!"

Erica heard the words her son said, but was confused. She hadn't been the most physically demonstrative parent, it was true, but she was that way because she believed her kids needed separation from their mother as part of growing up. If she coddled them too much, she would be spoiling them. With all the challenges that a person would face in their lives, her kids would need every edge they could get. Erica was sure that her parenting strategy was foolproof.

Then again, hearing the words from her son, pleading for a kiss, a simple affectionate gesture, maybe Erica had been wrong. Turning on her low heels, the single mother took in the image of the young man before her. Erica hadn't just been wrong, she had been perversely wrong. Of course a mother should give her children physical affection! It was such a simple thing, and to withhold it would be obscene. A smile grew on her face.

"Of course, sweetheart," Erica said softly as she walked back to her son. Then, standing in front of him, she leaned down and did something she hadn't done since he was a young boy. She softly kissed him on the cheek.

The last time Erica has kissed her son, his skin was soft and smooth. Now that William had grown up, Erica was surprised to feel the sharp bristles of his stubble on her lips. A moment of shame washed over her that she had spent so many years ignoring her son's needs, that he had to practically beg her for that kiss. She vowed that from that day forward she would be more forward with her son, showering him with whatever affection he needed.

"Thank-you," Erica's pride and joy said, a huge smile on his face, "Go to work now and have a great day!"

Erica smiled back, turned and continued her walk down the hallway. It was time to go to work, and William was right. Her day was going to be great!