a massive contract, a new city library, and my design had been the one to clinch the deal. The

r architect, I lived and breathed blueprints, building codes, and client meetings. I was succe

er, Susan, was left to raise us alone, working two jobs just to keep food on the table. She cleaned houses du

a scholarship was my only way out, my only way to build a life where my mother wouldn' t have to

de sure my mom could finally quit her second job. Then, I focused on Tom. He was a good kid,

nd dollars, to buy him that brand-new Ford F-150. I helped him register his business, "Miller' s Landscaping," and even paid for the first year of his business insurance. I found a small plot of land with a decent-size

ly excited. I pictured a warm, happy reunion.

ng home early for Christmas," I

Sarah! When are

he truck for a day or two. I have a ton of Christmas s

voice cheerful. "The keys will be wa

nal, scanning the arrivals area for Tom' s familiar face. He wasn' t there. Instead, I saw

in my stomach. "Mom? Where' s To

"He wanted to come, he really did. But his new girlfriend, Brit

rst I was hearing of it. "He couldn' t leav

a weak smile that didn' t reach her eyes. "He' s completely s

him to leave our aging mother to come to the airport alone just to tend

t go, for now. I didn' t want to start my vacation with a

It' s good to see y

ase away, but it lingered, a quiet warning of t