As she rose, her mother’s flowing white hair filled Rebecca’s field of vision.
Her mother’s hands gripped Rebecca’s shoulders. “Jack would have wanted
you to go.” She stared Rebecca in the eyes.
Rebecca glared back with pursed lips. Her mother couldn’t know what Jack
wanted her to do. She wasn’t sure of it herself and she’d been married to him
for fifteen years.
Her mother pulled her into a hug—but not the way she used to hug her. The
hugs had once filled her with love and warmth, but now she hugged her the
same way everyone else did—like she was glass. Like, if they hugged her
too hard, she might break. Since suddenly losing Jack three years ago,
nothing felt the same. Hugs felt distant. Colors faded to gray. She travelled
her life empty inside. The world was blank, with the exception of Rebecca’s
two daughters. They were the only color in her life now. She kept going for
them and only them. Until today. Today was for her. Today she approached
the world as one instead of part of a pair.
“Rebecca, trust me. Just go and enjoy yourself. It’s okay to enjoy yourself.
Everything will be fine here. I promise.”
Doubt filled every crevice. Could she do this? Alone? Should she do this?
“Mom, I’m just so tired of…”