Helen and Lisa walked the block in the evening hush. No big speeches, just steps that matched for the first time in a while. “Mom,” Lisa said, staring straight ahead, “thank you for answering when I finally called.”
“That’s what phones are for,” Helen said. “That’s what mothers are for, too—if you remember they’re people first.”
Lisa nodded. “I do now.” The streetlights blinked on like small, reliable stars.
