She'll Never Be My Mother

Andrew

The kitchen sang with life as Karen flipped, stirred, and blended. With the morning sun’s rays coming through the windows, the day rang with a familiarity I hadn’t felt in a long time. Or maybe that I hadn’t noticed.

“Here you are, Mr. Marx.” My housekeeper set the green smoothie down in front of me with a flourish. I inspected it warily. “Yes, I know it’s a new recipe. But don’t worry. You won’t even taste the greens.”

“All right.” I shrugged and took a sip, nothing but pineapple and banana on my tongue.

“Now if we can get Raven to drink one of these,” Karen muttered, going back to the counter.

“Did you see her last night?” I asked.

“No.” She turned the dishwasher on, frowning. “She wasn’t back when I left around six.”

“Oh.” I looked away. It seemed Raven had taken my encouragement that she spend more time with her peers to heart. I’d barely seen her since the fundraiser the weekend before.

Or maybe she was avoiding me.

“Karen, has Raven talked to you at all?”

Drying her hands