She hoped for its soothing effects to work quickly. She couldn’t believe what her mom had said to her out in the street. “What happened?” Alexa took a long sip of her warm drink. “You two have been married for twenty-five years.” “I told him I wanted to go back to work.” Gloria’s voice quavered with each word she uttered. “As a nurse?” “Yes. After he went through medical school and internship, your father didn’t want me to work. Ever since you graduated from high school, I’ve needed more.” As her mother lifted her mug to her lips, her hand trembled. “I’ve sat by for years letting him run my life. I think it’s about time I do it myself. I told him I was coming to visit you and staying until he came to his senses.” “So you’re not really leaving him?” “It depends on him. This has been brewing for years. I need some breathing room. I need to decide what I want to do—not what your father wants me to do.” Alexa swept her arm to indicate her small kitchen off her small living room.
