The phone call I postponed because I was busy.

The weekend I nearly flew home, then canceled because Mom insisted I shouldn’t waste the money.

Finally, one night, I admitted the thought that had followed me for years.

“I think my mother died believing I didn’t need her anymore.”

Susan’s eyes filled with tears.

I lowered my head.

“And I don’t know how to forgive myself for that.”

Her hand tightened around mine.

The next morning, Greg returned.

And this time, he brought company.

PART 2

Greg stood outside with Marcy and his daughter, Laura.

A police officer waited near the sidewalk.

Several neighbors were already watching from their porches.

Greg raised a folder in his hand.

“This ends today.”

I stepped outside and closed the front door behind me.

“You need to leave.”

“No, Sam. You need to bring my mother outside.”

“She’s resting.”

Laura shook her head.