“Mom?” I call, pushing the front door open.
The handle jingles the way it always has.
“Mom?”
“Back here, sweetheart!”
I step inside and inhale the familiar scent of lavender laundry soap. I find her on the sofa, folding clothes with careful, deliberate movements.
I drop my bag and cross the room in two strides.
“Hey,” I say, wrapping my arms around her.
She laughs softly as we tumble back onto the cushions, still holding each other. Her wool sweater is scratchy against my cheek. Comforting. Real.
Snorty leaps up beside us, determined to wedge himself between our bodies.
“And who’s this little fellow?” Mom asks, smiling as she scratches behind his ears.
“Snorty,” I say. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Well hello, Mr. Snorty,” she says, offering him her hand.
He yips once, short stub of a tail wagging, and I know instantly that he’s claimed her.
Mom studies my face. “You look tired, honey.”
I open my mouth to answer.
Nothing comes out.
Mom’s gaze softens. She doesn’t press. She never does.
“How are you?” she asks instead.
She says it lightly, but I catch the flicker in her eyes before she masks it with a smile. “I’m holding up.”
Then she tries to joke. “Don’t look at me like that. We all come with expiration dates. Mine’s just feeling a little stamped right now.”
“Mom.” My voice cracks despite my effort to stop it. “Don’t say that.”
I fold into her, the tears coming fast. She holds me the way she always has, firm and steady.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” she murmurs. “I know you’re upset about my health.”
I shake my head against her shoulder. “It’s everything,” I admit. “Vegas. Work. Life.”
She waits. Patient. She always lets me find my own way to the truth.
But I can’t say his name. I can’t explain the tabloids, or the way Rio's certain I betrayed him.
So I cry quietly until the shaking passes.
“I’m glad you’re home,” she says finally. “That’s what matters.”
Snorty noses my hand, concerned. I manage a weak smile.
After a moment, I glance at the clock. “The concert starts in an hour. It will be televised. We can watch Steven onstage.”
