“We were only dating, nothing serious. It’s run its course.”
“Who bought you the phone and car? You can’t afford to make those kinds of purchases.”
“I have something to tell you, but you have to promise to hear me out.”
“You’re scaring me, Cin. What’s going on?”
“Just have an open mind. Can you do that for me?”
“I’ll try.”
“I ran into Art the other day. He’s the person who drove me home when my car broke down.”
“Do you plan on seeing him again?” she asks with a worried frown on her face.
“Yes, but only as a friend.”
My mom would choose to suffer for the rest of her days if she knew the details of our arrangement.
“You have to stay away from him.”
“He’s not the same person.”
“People like him don’t change. He’s vindictive and unstable.”
“He wants to make amends for what happened.”
“How?”
“Art bought me the gifts.”
“Give them back. We’ll manage. We always do.”
“He’s already arranged for you to start seeing specialists this week.”
“What?” The hopeful expression on her face is worth dancing with the devil.
“You can finally receive a diagnosis.”
“But at what cost? I can’t believe he’s doing this out of the kindness of his heart.”
“This is your opportunity to live a normal life.”
“Mom!” Sebastian runs from the bedroom and jumps in my lap.
“Hi, handsome, did you sleep well?”
“Yes. I’m hungry.”
“Well, a growing boy does need to eat. How about some pancakes for breakfast?”
He eagerly nods.
“Go take out the ingredients. I’ll be right there.”
“Okay.” He runs into the kitchen.
“Please think about it,” I plead. “You want me to forgive myself for what happened. This is how.”
