Seeing me standing there in disbelief, Mom, who was busy preparing the ribs, quickly explained.
“Reina, Cody’s son and sister are only here temporarily. Once summer’s over, they’ll leave, and I’ll get your things back in here.”
“I just haven’t had a chance to clean up since you came home so suddenly…”
I managed a reassuring smile, trying to stay positive.
“It’s okay, Mom. I’m fine sleeping in the study.”
I grabbed my suitcase and headed toward the study, but Mom hesitated and tried to reach out to me. I had already pushed open the door to the study.
Among the three rooms, the study was the smallest, with just a tiny sofa bed and no wardrobe.
As soon as I opened the door, I noticed the crude crayon drawing on the bedside table.
It was a Mother’s Day gift I’d made for Mom back in preschool.
The rest of the room was familiar too. It was filled with Mom’s belongings.
I pointed at the single pillow on the bed, struggling to believe it.
“Mom, is this your room? You and Cody are sleeping in separate rooms?”
Mom started twisting her fingers nervously.
“Cody thinks the bed is too small for two people, so we’re in separate rooms. This room is fine for me. It’s enough for one person…”