Chapter 4
New Year's Eve
I spent New Year's Eve alone.
Not because I had no invitations.
A few friends had texted.
But I wanted the quiet.
At 11:30, my phone rang.
It was Mom.
I hesitated.
Then I answered.
"Hi."
"Hi."
A pause.
"I wanted to call before midnight."
"Okay."
"I don't like how things are between us."
I waited.
"I'm not saying I agree with what you did," she continued. "But I don't want to start the new year like this."
"I'm not apologizing."
"I'm not asking you to."
That surprised me.
"Then what are you asking?"
"I'm asking if we can move forward."
I thought about that.
"I can move forward. But things are going to be different."
"Different how?"
"I'm not going to be the automatic backup plan. If you need help, you ask. If I say no, that's my answer."
Another pause.
Then:
"That's fair."
I almost laughed.
Fair.
It had always been fair.
She just hadn't been forced to see it before.
"Okay."
"Okay."
We talked for a few more minutes.
Not about Christmas.
Just small things.
Weather.
Work.
Her neighbor's new dog.
When we hung up, it wasn't warm.
But it wasn't cold either.
Three Months Later
In March, my sister called.
This time, her tone was different.
"Hey, I know this is last minute, but would you be able to watch Emma and Sophie this Saturday?"
I checked my calendar.
"What time?"
"Two to six."
"I can do that."
"Really?"
"Yes. But I need you to drop them off and pick them up on time."
"Of course."
Saturday came.
She dropped the girls off at 2:00.
Picked them up at 5:55.
Thanked me.
Paid me.
I hadn't asked for payment.
But she handed me an envelope anyway.
"You don't have to—"
"I want to."
I took it.
Inside was a Target gift card and a handwritten note.
Thank you for helping. I should have asked before.
I texted her that night.
You're welcome. Anytime you ask, I'll let you know if I can.
She sent back a thumbs-up.
May you like
It was a small thing.
But it mattered.
