She smiled and directed her attention to me, seeming to be happy that I’d shown interest in the book she’d brought home for me.
“Let’s say that in this parallel universe that you could have a second chance because you knew you were there before?”
“Oh yes, that’s interesting. Now that does require more thought,” she said. “So, in your scenario I’d be aware. Is that what you’re asking?”
“Yes,” I murmured, feeling like my stomach could empty their contents. “Something like that.”
Mom’s face softened, reaching for my hand. “Oh, honey. You’re wondering if I’d try to save your father, aren’t you?”
“Well maybe,” I acknowledged. “I mean if he was in that universe.”
“I’m sorry, Michael, but I’m not sure,” she stated without hesitation. I sensed Druzella watching me from the corner of my eye. Mom’s answer was unexpected. “I love the idea of parallel universes though. It gives me comfort to think that I’d get the chance to live many lives. I’d love to trust in that theory because it aligns with my belief that there is something moreand that we get many lives. Reincarnation is a cornerstone of Buddhism, so I like the idea of continuing on. Possibly over and over.”
“So, you’re open to it?” I pushed, waiting to make a decision about whether to tell her. “Even if reincarnation wasn’t actually part of the plan?”
“Sure. I’m open to ideas that I don’t understand. But maybe the knowing part wouldn’t work for me?” she said. “I prefer the surprises of life because I like to think I’ll get to experience many more lives so I won’t stress on tragedy so much while living this one.”
I simply couldn’t take the back and forth any longer. After all of our debating I wasn’t sure Mom was for or against the possibilities. This mother was different from the one I’d experienced in my latter teens and early twenties of the new millennium. This inquisitive version was at the beginning of her spiritual search which caused me to hesitate.
“Would it freak you out if I told you I knew stuff about parallel universes?” I asked, pushing the book she’d borrowed out of my. “I think I have more, shall we say, concrete information?”
Druzella turned to me and smiled, encouraging me to move forward. “I’m certainly open to your perspective, Mike,” Druzella stated.
“Michael?” Mom asked. “Do you have something you want to share?”
“Do you trust me, Mom?” I asked. Her eyes narrowed and she leaned back, crossing her arms. I pulled her hand closer so I could hold it. “And I meantrulytrust me? In a way that would upend everything that you know to be true? You’d be required to open your mind like never before.”
“Well, honey, you’re scaring me now.”
“Please just listen, Kathleen,” Druzella said. “With an open mind if you can.”
Mom was surprised to hear Druzella’s input, turning to her she asked, “You know what Michael has to say?”
“I do,” she confessed. “He has consulted me.”
“Then it must be serious,” Mom said, tugging on the edges of her long sleeves and looking around nervously. “I have to admit I’m a bit surprised, maybe even hurt that you didn’t involve me, Michael.”
“Mom, please hear me out. I didn’t purposefullygo behind your back. In fact, Druzella sorta knew something was up when we first met,” I admitted.
“And what exactly did she know?”
Druzella and I exchanged glances and she nodded encouragingly, silently telling me it was go-time.
“That I’m from another universe.”
How to describe Mom’s reaction? Was it a snort and a laugh? Was it an uncomfortable laugh that sounded like a snort of disbelief? Whatever the reaction, she definitely appeared flummoxed.
“You are from another universe?” she asked, raising an eyebrow and then smiling like she was in on a joke; or better yet, the victim of one.
“Yes,” I said.
Her smile faded. “You’re serious?”
I nodded. Druzella nodded.
We both waited.
At that exact moment, the front door burst open. “Hello?” Coop hollered. “I’m here and I’m hungry. Anybody home?”
