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

Not when I washed my face.

Not when I lay down without changing.

Not when I woke up at three in the morning, my heart pounding.

I turned it on the next morning.

Twenty-seven missed calls.

A pile of texts.

I stared at them for a long time.

Mom, where are you?

Please answer.

Mom, please.

Then one came through that made my chest tighten.

Mom, please answer. It was for you.

I stared at it 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 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 shouldn’t be.