After our walk, it occurs to me I never called my mom. I bet she’s freaking out right now!Alex walks me back to his parents’ house. No one is home, so I have some privacy.If I had any doubt that Mom was worried before, the fact she picked it up before the first ring ended has dispelled it.“Hey, Mom.”“Cynthia! I was so worried! What took you so long to call?”“I’m sssorry, Mom. There. Was a lot. To do.”“But you’re okay—and everyone is safe?”“Yesss, Mom. We’re okay.”I hear a sigh through the phone. I feel bad. Even with everything going on, I can’t believe I forgot her.Her voice becomes stern, her tone deep. “Cynthia, this only works if you keep our deal.”“I-I know. Sorrr-ry.”“Can you tell me where you are?”“I don’t. Know where. Mount’ns.”“Okay. Make sure you leave your phone on all the time, so I can locate you if I have to.”“If,” I say with emphasis, to remind her that it was her last resort.“Yes—only if.”“Love you, Mom.”“I love you, too, baby.”“I’ll call tomorrow.”“
Last Updated : 2024-03-08 Read more