I didn’t take everything.
Some memories travel. Others stay behind.
My phone rang.
Ethan.
I answered.
“Mom,” he said quickly, “what’s going on? I stopped by your apartment. There are trucks outside.”
“I’m moving,” I said.
“Moving where? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I almost smiled. The question revealed more than he intended.
“I didn’t think it was necessary,” I replied. “You made it clear at your wedding that I’m not your real mother.”
Silence.
“Don’t be dramatic,” he said at last. “You know I love you. Carol’s just like a second mother.”
