188 My Mom, My Friend

(Winona)

Two weeks later, I sat across from Mom at the kitchen table in my townhouse.

The place is quiet, too quiet. Abby’s at preschool, and Cass is… well, who knows where Cass is.

Enjoying her newfound freedom and independence, no doubt.

I’m trying not to worry about her, I mean she isn’t a kid, but the knot in my stomach isn’t loosening anytime soon. I feel like her look will attract people who like to make trouble.

Jayden has been busy all this week and apart from Abby time, we’ve barely had the chance to talk or stress…or argue about anything. It’s a good feeling actually.

Just us getting on with it without all the crap overshadowing our days.

Mom’s hands tremble slightly as she sips her tea. We’ve never had a proper conversation. Not about the weather or dinner plans, but about real stuff. The kind of stuff that digs deep and leaves a mark.

But I know if I want to help her and get her to join me with Barnaby, we need to get more than skin deep.

I take a breath, deciding to di