I Traveled Across the Country to See My Son but He Told Me to Wait Outside Like a Stranger

was still face-down on the bedside table where I had left it.

I turned it on in the morning.

Twenty-seven missed calls. The texts filled most of the screen before I could read them. Mom where are you. Please answer. Mom please come back. Then one that was different from the others: Mom, please answer. It was for you.

I read that one several times. Then continue reading …