I woke with a jolt. My mother was standing over me with slightly swollen eyes. “Baby?” I wiped my eyes.
“Mom, is everything okay?” I grabbed for my phone on the table. It was six in the morning and I wanted to cry. I finally crawled under the covers at almost midnight, and I loved sleep.
“It’s morning. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I’m heading out.” I sat up and rubbed my eyes again.
“Are you sure?” I grabbed for her and pulled her down by my legs. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, baby.” She leaned in and kissed my forehead. “I shouldn’t have come here.” She ran her hands down my hair.
“Of course you can come here, mom. Any place I am you can come. Anytime.” I reached for her other hand. “I will never be too old to not need my mother.” I smiled at her.
But she shook her head. “N
