My Mother Told Me To Stay Behind While She Took My…

Tears of anger and hurt ran down my face as I stared at the walls covered with old photos, concert posters, and school ribbons. I could not stop thinking, when did I become such a burden to my own mother? The next few weeks flew by in a blur of packing boxes and goodbyes, though none of the goodbyes were really for me.

The tears belonged mostly to Olivia, who did not want to leave her friends, her classroom, or the backyard where she had learned to ride her bike. I helped Olivia pack, trying to stay cheerful for her sake. She sat cross-legged on her bedroom floor, holding a stuffed rabbit against her chest.

“Will you come visit us, Lauren?” she asked, her big brown eyes filling with tears. I hugged her tightly. “Of course I will, squirt.

You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

The day they left, I stood on the porch with Grandma, watching as the moving van pulled away from the curb. Mom gave me a quick hug that felt more like a formality than a goodbye. Paul gave me an awkward nod.