I Flew Across the Country to See My Son – He Looked at His Watch and Said, ‘You Are 15 Minutes Early, Just Wait Outside!’

Please answer.

Mom please.

Then one came through that made my chest tighten.

Mom, please answer. It was for you.

I stared at that for a long time.

Then another.

I read the texts again.

Linda was hanging the banner. The kids were hiding in the den. Emma saw you leave from the window and now she won’t stop crying. Please, Mom. Please come back.

My throat closed.

I read the texts again.

I wasn’t sending you away. I just wanted everything ready. I wanted it to be perfect.

Perfect.

I answered and said nothing.

Then the phone rang.

Nick.

I almost let it ring out.

Almost.

But hope is stubborn, even when it should know better.

I answered and said nothing.

I looked at the stained curtain and waited.

“Mom?”