My Mother

My mother’s claim afterward.

Daniel played the video.

I had not watched it yet.

I thought I was ready.

I was not.

On the screen, my mother stood beside Lily’s bed, face tight with anger. My own voice trembled but stayed low. Daniel’s warning was clear: Step back from Lily.

Then her hand moved.

The mask came away.

The alarm screamed.

And my mother said, “Maybe continue reading …