so special—practically
custom-made for Mom.
(Not to mention free!)
I punch the speed dial
on my phone, wait for
Mom to pick up at home.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
No one’s here to take
your call right now …
Hmmm. Mom said they
were staying home this
weekend. I try her cell.
No answer. Dad’s cell?
All he has to do is say
Hello for me to know …
SOMETHING’S WRONG
“Hey, Dad. Where are you
guys?” Something nasty
seethes in my gut, acid.
I just dropped your mom
off at the airport. His voice
trembles. Anger? Worry?
Kristina is in the hospital.
That bastard beat her up.
Like what else is new, huh?
“Who beat her up? Ron?”
An ex-boyfriend, in and out
of her life because he is (or
believes he is) the father
of her two youngest kids.