Never Forgotten

by Kelly Risser

  ***

  “You’ll be okay?” Mom asked. She tried to sound calm, but I heard the anxiety in her voice. Sitting on her bed, I watched her pack. It was hard to believe that yesterday I waited for her at the clinic and, today, in a few hours, she would fly to Toronto for the rest of the week. Dr. Stahlman was sending her to a cancer research institute. Some of Mom’s test results concerned him.

  “I’ll be fine,” I said. “Will you?” She worried about me, but I had my grandparents, Katie, and Evan. She was the one who would be alone.

  She managed a wry smile. “I’ll survive, I think, under the constant attention of medical staff. Don’t worry about me.” She finished packing and sat next to me, a slight frown on her face. I knew the look. It meant she wanted to tell me something serious—something that had been bothering her.

  “Talk to your grandparents, okay?” she asked. It was not what I expected her to say. “I know you’re just getting to know Evan, and you like him. And, I like him, too, but it would mean a lot to your grandparents if you spent time with them.”

  “Okay, Mom,” I promised. “I will.”

  “Good.” She looked at her watch, kissed my cheek, and stood. “I better get going. You never know how long it will take to get through security.”

  I stood and walked her to her car, carrying the suitcase. She kissed me again and promised to call daily with updates. I held back the tears as I watched her drive away.