Love

I walk to my car. “Where are you going this weekend?” says someone I can’t remember who they are. With a tone of indifference I say “Home”. She turns and walks away. I have four hours in the car to think of what I will do. “Pointless” I say to myself the whole way. Nothing can be planed.

I carry my bag into my room without seeing a sole. I walk around remembering what each room means and what has happened in them. Finally I go to the family computer down stairs where I know she will be. “Hi mom.” Silence. “Hey mom. What’s going on?” Nothing. I look at the computer. She is playing some game. “Well, good to talk to you.” I start walking up my stairs that seem like Mt. Everest now. “Hey” chirps a happy voice. “Come say Hi to me”. She must have finished the game.

I stand on the stair. I look at my car that I have finally left. I see a stack of books by the front door with a list of activities on top that I didn’t see at first. I take a deep breath and turn around. “How was your trip?” “Fine, long.” A long silence. She has started another game. I turn for the second time. “Let’s go get you some new clothes. Did you see the books I got you?” “Yes, Thanks” I say enthusiastically. “Are we going to go or are you going to play another game?” Thirty seconds go by but I don’t move. I know she will be done soon. She turns and gives me a sad pouty face. “You know I love you, right?” I take another breath. “Yes. I love you too.” She beams. I beam back.