148. Mother and Child

Zia’s heart skipped a beat when she heard her mother calling her by her real name while looking at her. She must think of an excuse already or change the subject but she could not think of anything. Her mind went blank.

Theresa slightly tilted her head while still eyeing her, then she said, “You’re…Zia…” She paused. Then she tucked the photo back in the pink album and abruptly tidied up and put the albums back in the box. “Oh, look at the time.” She looked at her wristwatch. “I better start preparing dinner.” She smiled uneasily at them. “I’ll be in the kitchen. You kids just stay here. You can watch tv if you want.” She rose with the box in hand and seemed to be in a hurry.

When she left, Zia and Gray shared a bewildered glance.

“Do you think she knows?” asked Zia.

“I don’t know,” responded Gray, leaning back and tilted her head, staring at the chandelier above with her arms and legs crossed.

“Is it bad, though?” said Zia looking down, fiddling with her fingers. “If she knows?”