“Maybe.”
“Somewhere new.”
“Maybe.”
“Somewhere with direct flights.”
I laughed.
“You’re already planning.”
“I’m suggesting.”
“You’re learning.”
“Slowly.”
I looked through the window at my family.
Then at the street beyond the porch.
A year earlier, I might have thought a happy ending meant everyone finally appreciating everything I had done.
Now I knew better.
I did not need gratitude to be the foundation of my life.
I needed choice.
Honesty.
Room to change.
And people willing to change with me.
I had not lost my family when I stopped doing everything for them.
I had finally given them the opportunity to meet me as a whole person instead of only as their mother.
They had surprised me.
So had I.
“Mom?” Brenda said.
“Yes?”
“I’m glad you came this weekend.”
I smiled.
“So am I.”
Inside, Paisley called my name.
“Grandma! Cooper says Grandpa cheated at cards!”
