Page 29 of The Secret to Belonging

your mom tells him to pull up to the curb

quick goodbyes are easier, she says

you won’t have to haul your luggage so far

(the house is unattended

she wants to get home

your brother might steal something else)

she doesn’t say any of this, of course

but everyone understands

not unreasonable concerns, really

you stand at the curb between your suitcases

and your parents

keep your passport hidden, your mother says

wear the wallet around your neck

if you lose your traveler’s checks

we’ll need those receipts

okay, you say. i’ll be careful

call collect when you arrive, your father says

no matter what time it is, always reverse the charges

thanks, you say. okay

have fun, honey, your mother says

she presses a pack of gum into your hand

for takeoff and landing. for your ears

your father coughs and stuffs his hands into his pockets

we love you, Button

that’s when you start to cry

you hug him and he hugs you back hard

and

then they are driving away

and

you are standing on the sidewalk holding your gum