always angry and who became a cold and cynical
man, but he’s one who is hiding a heart of gold.”
“You can only talk like that because you’re my
mother,” I concede, giving her a bitter smile.
“Perhaps … but I’m right and you know it too.
Do you feel some kind of obligation towards her,
Patrick? Are you trying to fix things? Maybe right
a wrong that’s been done?”
I shake my head and set the cups up on the tray.
“It wasn’t your fault what happened. She’s
already decided and there was nothing you could
have done to make her change her mind. I know it
and so do you.”
“Mom, Erin has nothing to do with that story,
this is a different situation.”
“Are you in love with her, Patrick?
“Fuck no!”
“Watch your language.”
“I’m sorry. No, I’m not in love with her,
Mother. I’m just trying to help out a friend in
trouble.”
“And does she know that she’s just your
friend?”
“What does that mean?” I ask without looking
at her.
“Oh honey,” she says, shaking her head and
going into the living room, leaving me alone with
my thoughts and my cowardice.
I follow her, feeling in a bad mood. Her words
made me reflect on what it is I’m really doing
