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“Ethan, I...” She trails off, seemingly at a loss for words. “We can’t…I…I don’t know what to say,” she admits, her gaze meeting mine.
I reach out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to say anything,” I assure her. “Just know that I’m here for you, no matter what.”
She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thank you,” she says again, her gratitude evident in her voice.
I lean in and press a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling back slightly. “You will take the day off, and don’t argue. Just take the day off. You need it.”
She closes her eyes briefly, a small sigh escaping her lips. “I appreciate that, Ethan,” she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
With one final glance, I turn and head towards the door.
Throughout the week, I find myself constantly thinking about Jessy. I check in on her regularly, sending her messages to make sure she’s sleeping well and taking care of herself.
Each time I receive a response from her, a sense of relief washes over me, knowing that she’s okay.
As the weekend approaches, I realize that I need to take a break from work and clear my head. So, I decide to visit my mom.
“It’s a good thing to have you around. Would you like something to eat? Or are you rushing off as usual?” Mom asks in an accusing tone as I sit across from her in the living room.
“I don’t run off whenever I visit. I spend time with you,” I try to defend myself.
“Oh yeah? The longest you’ve spent with me was that day we all had dinner with your sister, and you kept looking at your watch the entire time.”
I chuckle at her playful accusation, knowing that there’s some truth to it. “Okay, maybe I was a bit preoccupied that day,” I admit with a sheepish grin.
“You always seem to be preoccupied whenever you visit.”
“Guilty as charged. But I promise, I’m not in a rush today. I’m here to spend quality time with you, Mom.”
Her expression softens, and she smiles warmly at me. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. How about I whip up something special for dinner? Your favorite, perhaps?”
“That sounds amazing. I will help out.”
As I stand beside my mom in the kitchen, the familiar sights and smells evoke a sense of nostalgia that takes me back to my childhood.
I remember being a little boy, barely able to reach the countertop but eager to help my mom with whatever task she had at hand.
Now, as I chop vegetables and while she stirs the simmering pot on the stove, I can’t help but smile at the memories flooding back.
With a soft sigh, my mom breaks the silence.
“You know, Ethan,” she begins, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness, “I can tell why you have been avoiding spending time with me.”
I pause, glancing over at her with a mixture of surprise and guilt. “I have not been avoiding you. I’m sorry, Mom. I never meant to make you feel that way.”
She smiles gently, reaching out to pat my hand. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I understand why you do it.”
I raise an eyebrow inquisitively, silently urging her to continue.
“It’s because I keep asking you when you’re going to get married, isn’t it?” she says, her tone apologetic.
“Yeah, that’s part of it,” I admit.
My mom’s expression softens, and she gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know it might seem like I’m nagging, but I only ask because I want you to find love, just like your father and I had.”
“I understand, Mom,” I reply, a hint of emotion in my voice. “And I appreciate that you want the best for me.”
She smiles warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection. “Of course, Ethan. I just want you to find love and be happy.”
