I smile, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. "Yeah, I figured you'd say that."
There's the faint sound of the mixer running in the background, followed by a soft clatter—probably her reaching for another bowl.
She hums softly on the other end.
"Anyway, I called just to remind you and your sister to come home next weekend. It's your father's death anniversary." Her voice catches at the end, faint and trembling, like she's trying to keep it together but can't quite hide the crack.
For a moment, I don't say anything. The words hit harder than I expect.
Five years.
Five years since Dad's gone, and it still feels unreal sometimes. The ache's duller now, but it's always there — this quiet, hollow spot that never really goes away. I miss him every damn day.
"Zach, sweetheart, are you still there?"
I drag in a slow breath, exhale, and clear my throat. "Yeah, Mom. Still here. And yeah, we didn't forget. We'll be there, I promise."
"Good," she says softly, but I can hear that faint wobble in her voice again. "I was just thinking what we should do this year. Maybe something simple. We can visit him in the morning, bring flowers, then have everyone over after for lunch? I'll cook his favorites — lasagna, maybe that roast chicken he used to love."
"Sounds perfect,"
She sighs. "It still feels strange, you know? The house gets so quiet around this time every year. I keep expecting him to walk through the door, asking where everyone is."
I close my eyes for a second, pressing my thumb against my temple. "Yeah," I murmur. "I know."
It's always like this when the date comes close — her voice gets smaller, softer. Like she's trying to hold her sadness down, but it seeps through anyway. And every time, it breaks something in me too.
"Hey, Mom," I say after a pause, trying to lighten her tone a little, "I was gonna tell you — Caroline's coming with me next weekend."
There's a beat of silence, and then her voice brightens instantly. "Oh, really? That's wonderful! It's been ages since I've seen her."
I can hear the smile in her voice now, and it eases something tight in my chest. "Yeah," I say, smiling faintly. "She wanted to come since she hasn't been able to the last three years."
"That makes me so happy, sweetheart," she says, the heaviness in her tone fading away. "It'll be good for you too. You always have such a hard time this time of year."
"Yeah," I admit quietly. "I know."
She hums softly, and for the first time in the call, she sounds genuinely light. "Oh, that sweet girl... I'm so glad you're bringing her."
I hesitate for a second, then say, "There's actually something I want to tell you when we come home."
"Oh?" she says, her voice turning curious and playful all at once. "Let me guess — you and Caroline are dating?"
I can't help but laugh. "You really don't miss a thing, do you?"
She giggles — an actual, full-on, teenage squeal that makes me grin despite myself. "Oh, Zach, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you, honey. I had a feeling something was going on between you two."
I laugh. "Youhad a feeling? Or did Sam tell you?"
She laughs—one of those genuine, belly laughs that makes me smile without meaning to.
"Oh, sweetheart, you know your sister. She can't keep a secret to save her life. The moment I asked how you were doing, she started giggling and spilling the tea before I even finished the question."
I groan. "Unbelievable."
"Don't be mad," Mom says, still laughing. "She's just happy for you. We all are. And honestly, I'm not surprised—it was only a matter of time."
"Yeah, yeah," I say, laughing softly. "I was gonna tell you in person, but I guess the surprise is ruined now."
