Promises

My mom was on her own two feet now, the withdrawals had finally subsided and she was eating normal food. She was also bustling around the house on her own without help.

She seemed almost normal now. And since she could mostly take care of herself, James and I took advantage and began leaving her at home to go out on our own.

It didn't even matter where we went. Some days, after work, we would just drive around aimlessly and listen to music with his hand on my thigh and a small smile on his lips.

Other days we would visit his family and I'd get lost in the controlled chaos for a little bit and feel completely relaxed.

It was like this for weeks leading up to James leaving and it was nice, but it didn't erase the fact that he would soon be gone and I'd be left by myself to deal with my mom.

For now, now that she could walk and take care of herself, it was fine. She didn't bother me as much and would mostly stay in her room and watch TV. But some days it was like she was itching for