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“I am, and I’m ready for our walk.” I stand and attempt to take the tray, but Mom grabs it from me.
“I’ll take that. You hold on to the railing going down the stairs.”
Before we leave, I walk into the living room and say to my dad, “Hey, Dad. How’s it going?” I pat his shoulder.
“Good, son. How are you doing?” Dad mutes the TV without messing it up for a change.
“I’m better and will be good as new soon. Mom and I are going out for a walk. Want to join us?” I ask, knowing he won’t come.
“No, thanks, Jaden. Enjoy your walk with Mom. She loves spending time with you.” He unmutes the TV and returns to his news show.
In the kitchen, I lean on the counter.
“Ready when you are, Mom.”
“Okay, let’s go.” She takes my hand, leading me out the back door and to the side alley.
As we walk down the alley toward the neighborhood park, I kick the small stones with my feet and let out a sigh.
“Jaden, what’s wrong?” Mom stops and grabs my good arm.
I shake my head and release a long-winded sigh.
“Nothing I can’t figure out.” We continue walking until we get to the entrance to the park.
“Can we sit for a minute?” I wave my arm toward the empty bench. “I need to catch my breath.”
“Sure, honey.” She sits and pats the faux metal bench.
I sit next to her, leaning back and staring up at the blue, like Blaire’s eyes, cloudless sky. I sigh again and rub my hand across my jaw.
“Mom,” I begin, and look at her.
“Jaden.” She smiles and lets out a laugh.
“Now that we know each other. What’s bothering you, son?”
“When did you know Dad was the one?”
“Instantly.” She straightens her spine and takes my hand in hers.
“Your father swept me off my feet on our first date. I didn’t want or need anyone else.”
“But how did you know?” I scratch my hand through my hair.
“I mean like, what was it about Dad that made you feel it all for him, immediately?”
“Oh, honey. It’s something you’ll know when it happens to you. I promise you will. And if you’re asking me these questions, I think you already know.” Her head nods, and she squeezes my hand.
“I hope she makes you as happy as your dad has made me.”
“I don’t know, Mom.” I drop my head to my chest and bite the inside of my cheek.
“Yes, you do, Jaden. You definitely know. Trust your heart.” She stands and tugs my hand to join her.
I stand and walk beside my mom all around the small neighborhood park and back home. Before we go inside, I stop her and ask, “How do you know so much?”
She curls her index finger at me, and I bend down to her. She cups my ear with her hand and whispers, “Because I’m your mother.” She kisses my cheek, then takes the three steps up onto the front porch.
