—
Okay, let me go back…
Sweet dreams, my beautiful princess.
—
Much better,I reply.
—
Luv ya,he writes.
I can’t quite bring myself to return the sentiment. I feel it, but I can’t say it.
xoxo,I write instead.
Mom and I are tangled in the silky sheets of her pristine King sized bed. I’ve borrowed a loose t-shirt of hers, and I feel like an intruder in this lovely room, like any minute, a guard will barge in and drag me out, and tell me I don’t belong there. We talk about her relationship with Mark. We also talk about my deadbeat dad. She seems to have lost all faith in men. I remind her there still are a few good ones out there. I tell her she’s beautiful and sweet, and she’ll find the right one eventually because she deserves it. She finally falls asleep and the sight of her sleeping peacefully fills me with happiness. When she’s sleeping, she doesn’t hurt. And when she doesn’t hurt, neither do I.
