Chapter 25

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           Mymotherhugsmetightly.

           “Followyourheart,darling,andplease,please—trynottooverthinkthings.Relaxandenjoyyourself.Youaresoyoung,sweetheart.Youhavesomuchoflifetoexperienceyet,justletithappen.Youdeservethebestofeverything.”Shewhispersinmyear,herheartfeltwordscomforting.Shekissesmyhair.

           “Oh,Mom.”Hot,unwelcometearsprickmyeyesasIclingtoher.

           “Darling,youknowwhattheysay.Youhavetokissalotoffrogsbeforeyoufindyourprince.”

           Igiveheralopsided,bittersweetsmile.

           “IthinkI’vekissedaprince,Mom.Ihopehedoesn’tturnintoafrog.”

           Shegivesmehermostendearing,motherly,absolute-unconditional-lovesmile,andImarvelattheloveIfeelforthiswomanaswehugagain.

           “Ana—they’recallingyourflight,”Bob’svoiceisanxious.

           “Willyouvisit,Mom?”

           “Ofcourse,darling—soon.Loveyou.”

           “Me,too.”

           Hereyesareredwithunshedtearsasshereleasesme.Ihateleavingher.IhugBoband,turning,headtothegate—Idonothavetimeforthefirstclassloungetoday.Iwillmyselfnottoglanceback.ButIdo…andBobisholdingmymom,andtearsarestreamingdownherface.Icannolongerholdmineback.Iputmyheaddownandproceedtothegate,keepingmyeyesontheshinywhitefloor,blurredthroughmywaterytears.

           Onceonboard,intheluxuryoffirstclass,Icurlupinmyseatandtrytocomposemyself.ItisalwayspainfultowrenchmyselfawayfromMom…sheisscatty,disorganized,butnewlyinsightful,andshelovesme.