I thought Mom would go after her but instead she joined meon my side of the table, where she immediately wrapped her arms around me.
“I’m so sorry, Mom,” I said.
She petted my hair and I could feel her tears on my temple. “Me too,” Mom said. “But it will be fine. Everything will be fine.”
I wasn’t sure if she was saying that to comfort me or herself but I really needed to believe her.
She put her hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. “You think you could do me a favor?”
“Yes.”
“Can you encourage Skyler to spend more time with his mom?”
“Of course.” I took a slow breath.
After a few minutes, my mom pulled away. “I better go make sure she’s okay.” I nodded over and over even after she left.