All's well that ends well

“Mom?”

“Hi, honey. I’m just out grocery shopping right now. What’s up?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to hear your voice. It’s been a while.” 

“Oh, alright then! It’s good to hear from you, too. What are you up to?”

“I’m just working on something in the garage.”

“Ah, Hiding from the kiddos, I see. When I had you my go-to spot was in the closet under the stairs. I loved you and your father, but you were up 24/7 and I needed a little mom nap sometimes.”

“Yeah, the kids are with their father at the park right now. I told him they needed some fresh air. He was convinced this counts as free babysitting.”

“Yes, well, you know men. They tend to believe it’s the woman's duty to nurture while they do the work. In your case it’s both. You’re stronger than me; I refused to go back to work for about 3 years.”

“I remember dad spending time with me during the time he was off. Remember when we would all spend Sundays cooking dinner together?”

“Yess! Oh, you were so little we used to have to pick you up so you could lift the counter. Your father built you a step stool out of the tree we had to chop down. You loved climbing that tree; bawled your little eyes out when it was cut down. Your father couldn’t bear it.”

“Haha, yeah. I think I have that stool somewhere in the attic. How is dad, anyways?”

“That’s not funny. Are you ok, honey? I know we’re getting close to the first anniversary since his… passing, so if you need me to come over I will.” 

“No! No, It’s fine. Sorry, I’m just a bit lightheaded right now. I think I just need to lie down for a bit.”

“Ok, Honey. I’ll let you go, then.”

“No; wait sorry I called you for a reason… What’re you having for dinner?”

“You called me to ask what’s for dinner? Well, I’m just gonna be cooking up a bit of chicken and broccoli. Genuinely, are you ok, hon?” 

“Yes. I’m fine. That sounds good. I was just wondering if you could take the kids for a couple days. I think they really miss their grandma.” 

“Yes, of course! I miss my grandbabies! It’d be great to have some energy around the house again. Is Cody still into trains? I see many gifts coming their way.”

“Cody is… is still into planes. He… just got another model train set. Emly is going through a ‘Bluey’ phase.”

“Bluey? That’s the one with the blue dog, right? I see ads for him all over facebook nowadays; It’ll be easy to find gifts to spoil my Emily!”

“Bluey’s a girl and pleashe don’t click on facebook links but I’m sure ssshe’ll love that.”

“Oh, honey, stop! You sound just like your father. And are you drunk?”

“No, I’m not drunk. I’m jusht tired. Also good! I know how many times You’ve had to replashe your credit card.”

“Alright, that’s enough. I don't need to be berated by my daughter. I’m hanging up!”

“N-hghhhuk No, no. I’m sorry. I just worry about you, is all.”

“What was that? Did you just vomit? Are you ok? Are you pregnant again?” 

“Yeah; I’m fine, mom. I’m… not pregnant. I think one of the kids must have gotten me sick. Sorry, I should have mentioned that.”

“Oh, honey. I’m sorry- maybe I’ll bring over some of my homemade broth this week; would you like that?”

“Yeah, I’d love that. Thanks, mom. You know, you’re a great mom. I don’t think I got the maternal instinct everyone always talks about.

“Don’t say that! You’re an excellent mother. Your kids love you, baby! No mom really knows what they’re doing. Hell, I had no idea how to raise you and you turned into a marvelous young woman.”

“My kids barely even know me. I’m at work all the time, and the worsht part is I prefer it that way. At work I have problems I can solve by applying logical solutions. Here, if the kids aren’t complaining, their father is.”

“I understand, honey. You know my feelings for that husband of yours. I’m not going to get into it because I know it upsets you, but I’m just saying, what man doesn’t have a job?”

“He’s just taking time to find his passion.”

“His passion is laying around, barking orders at you while you do all the leg work! I wish you’d let me set you up with that handsome pharmacist.”

“I sshould have let you. Honestly, I’m worried the kids are going to end up like their father. Please, mom. Don’t let that happen for me.”

“I’ll do my best but you’re the mother now. I taught you the best I could, and now It’s your job to give them their best future.”

“But what if I’m not there to help set them on the right path?”

“What, because of your job? Maybe consider a vacation for once in your life.”

“Yeah, I… guesh. God, my chest is killing me.”

“Are you ok? You know, heart attacks run in the family. Your grandfather died of a heart attack.”

“I’m not having a… having a heart attack. I’m fine. I just need to close my eyes. Can you tell me more stories about dad?”

“Yeah, of course, hon… you know when you were about 6 you had this huge fear of clowns; bawled your little eyes out every time you saw one on TV. so your father spent 3 weeks learning how to make balloon animals. He was convinced this was how you’d get over the fear. So he comes in dressed as a clown and you turn sheet white. He asked what your favourite animal was and I thought you were going to faint. Anyways, it didn’t work at all. You were afraid for 2 more years and now you had this idea that clowns could just get into the house. Your father felt so bad he let you have icecream for dinner 3 days in a row.”

“Do you… miss him?”

“Oh, everyday. That man did such foolish things but I loved him so much.”

“I… love you, mom.”

“I love you too, honey. You know, maybe I’ll bring the broth over today. It’ll be a good chance to see you and the grandbabies. Would you like that?”

“...”

“Hun?”

“.”