The Heartbreakers

I rise from the couch. “I’m not sure. Why?”

“I—I had a thing planned for dinner, but if you’re going to be home, I can reschedule.”

The redness on Mom’s cheeks makes me realize what she isn’t saying out loud. “Do you have a date tonight?”

She flinches at my question, blushing deeper and not meeting my gaze. “I—uh ... It’s something like that, I guess. Even though I’m not sure yet if it’s going to stick. I mean, your Papà left pretty big shoes to fill and—”

I throw my arms around her again. “Oh, Mom! That’s great! Whether it does work out or not, I think Papà wouldn’t want you to be alone forever. You’ve been throwing yourself into work and raising me. Papà has been gone for ten years. I think if you want to date, you have the right to do so.”

Mom takes my hand in hers. “Thank you, Len. Knowing that you understand makes me feel better. It’s weird even to think about being with anyone else, you know? He left a void that I don’t think anyone will be able to fill.”

I know what she means, because I’ve been missing my father every day too. “Yes, Mom. But it’s been a long time and if you met someone who can make you happy, I don’t want you to hold back. You’re still young and you should grab every scrap of happiness life throws at you after the loss you’ve suffered.”

Mom hugs me for the tenth time today and I realize how much I’ve missed her in the past year, even though Mémère was just as affectionate.

“When did my baby girl grow up into such a beautiful, wise young woman?”