Page 122 of Come Back to Me

“Grayson told me. Why don’t we talk about something else?”

“Yeah, let’s do that,” I agree withMom.

“How are you doing, Dana?” Violet asks.

“I’m good. I can tell you I’m happy you came today and not when I first got here. I was a mess, and I wasn’t myself. I’m really happy that I got myself to this point in my life. I don’t think I could do any of this without Grayson.”

“You raised me to be a good man and a person with humanity. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for you, so thank you.”

“You’re a Goldman, after all. We’re good people. I wanted to make sure I was bringing a good person into this world because the world is painfully full of bad people. We need the good to squash the bad.”

Goldman is Mom’s maiden name. I’ve gone by my dad’s last name my entire life, which is ironic considering the non-existent relationship I have with him, but for some reason I could never part with it. There’s a piece of me that wants to show the world that I’m the one who’s going to change how the family sees the Becker name.

My mom understands why I kept his last name. She also didn’t like the idea of changing my last name to Goldman because she knew kids would’ve made fun of me in school. Grayson Goldman screamed Jewish, and my dad’s last name didn’t have that same effect on her. I’m proud to be Jewish, but back then, kids were ruthless. I think they’re worse now because of social media. It’s easier for them to say things because they have a screen as their mask.

I know she didn’t want me to be a target for bullies.

I’m not like my father, and I never will be. I want to set a good example for my future child or children.

“Yes, we do.” I smile at Mom.

“Okay, who’s cutting onions?” A few tears drip down Mom’s face.

I wipe the tears off her face with the pad of my thumb.

If there’s anything I hate, it’s seeing my mother cry.

I remember when I was a kid and how I’d hear the door slam closed along with the sound of Mom weeping. I’d go into the bedroom and comfort her as best as a kid could. We’d sit for hours in her bed, and she would sob until she couldn’t breathe.

When I got older, I couldn’t take it anymore. It was unfair to me that my mom had to live like this. I stood up for us more to my dad, which only made things worse until he packed up his shit and left Sunset Cove for good when I was in my freshman year of high school.

There was always a part of me that wondered what life could’ve been like if he was a good father. I stopped wondering when I graduated high school because I’ve accepted that this is my life, and I can’t magically change the past.

The past shapes us into who we become, it doesn’t define us. I was so convinced I’d end up like my dad, but I chose to turn my life around because I have people in my life that I care about, and I value my health.

I’m with two of the people who helped me get through the rough patches of high school. They stuck by me through it all, and telling themthank youisn’t enough anymore.

“Hey, we’re going to head out. My stomach has been making a ton of grumbling noises,” I say.

I get up from my chair with Violet following suit. Eventually, Mom stands, too, and we all head into the living room area.

“Well, I’m sorry I kept you guys for so long. You both must be starving now.” Mom walks over to Violet and hugs her tightly. “I’m so happy you came to visit me.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy that Grayson invited me to come with him to see you,” Violet says.

“Don’t be a stranger. Come visit me anytime.”

Violet’s nose scrunches as a smile appears on her face.

“Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, honey.” She pulls me into a warm hug, her dark brown hair swallowing me into an abyss. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Oh, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“I’ll go and wait outside.” Violet struts out the door, closing it behind her.