He doesn’t have to do everything alone.
***
On Nolan’s eighteenth birthday, I woke early to make his favorite chocolate chip pancakes. I placed two number candles on top, then removed them before the wax melted. GetWriting Tools
Richard chuckled. “You’re more nervous than he is.”
“Our boy’s eighteen.”
“Exactly. He’s an adult now.”
With that, Richard walked outside.
I was terrified of losing it.
I was reaching for the syrup when something bumped against the staircase.
Nolan appeared wearing his jacket and carrying an old suitcase.
“Happy birthday!” I said. “Going somewhere?”
He looked at the pancakes. “I thought I’d be ready.”
“Ready for what?”
He’s an adult now.
He placed his house key beside my plate.
“I washed my sheets. I wasn’t sure which cycle to use.”
“Nolan?”
“Thank you, Mom. For everything.”
He hugged me tightly.
I thought I’d be ready.
