I stir my chicken noodle soup around the bowl with my spoon. I should head home for a weekend soon. I miss my family. “I’m not sure. When do you want me?” “Before Thanksgiving,” my mother says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wait.” I hear papers being shuffled in the background. “The community center is having their Halloween party for the kids in two weeks. I’ve been roped into helping again this year.” I roll my eyes. My mother is never roped into anything. She just can’t say no. “We need volunteers; it’s a Wizard of Oz theme. What do you say?” Hanging out with a bunch of cute little kids and my mom? I think I can swing that. “Sure. Put me down.” “Great! Now who do you want to be?” “What do you mean?” “Who do you want to be? All the volunteers are dressing up. Pick a character.” “I have to dress up?” I make a face. I don’t own anything Wizard of Ozish. “What are my choices? Who are you going to be?” My mom laughs. “Auntie Em.”
