been looking for you for weeks.
—I’m fine, Michael.
—What do you mean you’re okay? You left without saying a word!
I remained silent.
“The children need you,” she continued. “And so do we. This can’t go on.”
Breathed
deeply.
—Michael, I want to ask you something.
-That?
—Are you calling me because you miss me or because you need me to clean your house again?
He remained silent.
—Mom, don’t start again.
—I’m not starting anything. I’m just asking you a question.
—You’re taking things out of context.
—You ordered me to clean the bathroom three times during a single dinner.
—It was a joke.
I closed my eyes.
—No, son. He wasn’t. And we both know it.
Michael sighed impatiently.
—Look, Mom, if you want an apology, that’s fine. I’m sorry. Can you go back now?
Those words did not bring me relief.
Because he hadn’t even asked
