Mom Called Me Damaged at My Sister’s Baby Shower

children with longing, regret, pride, and hunger all tangled together.

But she did not rush.

She did not reach.

She looked at me first.

“May I say hello?”

Progress.

“Yes.”

She crouched carefully.

“Hello,” she said. “I’m Eleanor.”

Maya stared at her.

“I’m Maya. I’m the boss.”

Alexander coughed into his fist.

Mother blinked.

“I can see that.”

Leo held up a feather.continue reading …