by Kelly Risser
I hurried home. Mom had an appointment at the clinic, and I offered to take her.
“You don’t have to do this,” Mom said once again. “I can drive myself.”
“Mom,” I said. “Why do you argue with me every time I drive you?”
“You’re out of school today, Kim just left, don’t you want to do something other than drive your mom?”
“All the more reason for me to drive you,” I said as I opened her door. Once I walked around and got in, Mom sighed.
“You already miss her, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“I’m sorry, Meara.”
Mom looked like she was going to cry. I wanted to cry, too, but instead I gave her a wide smile. “I’m okay, Mom. I like it here.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
This time when I looked at her, she was biting her lip. Never a good sign. “What now, Mom?”
“Have you seen your father lately?”
“You mean dreamed about him?” I hadn’t told her about seeing David in Katie’s room or seeing the two of them talking together.
She caught herself, and her checks grew red. “That’s what I meant. Have you dreamed about him?”
“Not lately.”
“Oh.” She looked out the window so I couldn’t see her face. “That’s good.”
Why did it sound like she didn’t think it was good at all?
