Loving Cousin

By the time I was out of the shower, Mom was up with John in the kitchen. I was still suffering from cramps, but they weren't as bad as some months. When I joined them, Mom was beaming.

"John's going to stay with us!" she said hugging him so long his face turned red.

"Good." I smiled as though I hadn't already known. He handed me a cup of coffee with sugar and a big dollop of cream already in it. "Thanks."

"I don't go into work until noon, do either of you have any laundry to do? I'm going to put in a load or two."

"I've got a few things. Let me grab the hamper from my room." By the time I got back, John and Mom had sorted piles in the middle of the living room floor. I put my hamper next to Mom and whispered, "I've got some stains I need to spray."

"Just put them in, I'll take care of it." Mom gave me a wink. "Do you need any cash?"

"I'm good for now," I said as I grabbed my book bag and hugged Mom. "Are you closing tonight?"

"Yes, so don't wait up for me. Just leave me some leftover