"Your mother just came to visit because she had nothing better to do. There's really no need for her to stay overnight."
"Besides, it's not like we're leaving her on the street. A motel for forty bucks a night, cheap and simple. My son even offered to pay. What more do you want?"
What more did I want?
I wanted my mother to sleep in the house I'd paid for.
Was that really too much to ask?
I was about to say exactly that when my mother tugged at my sleeve and whispered, "Zoe, don't let me cause problems between you and your family. I'll go to the motel. It's fine."
Then she lowered her head and smiled apologetically at Rebecca and the others.
"I'm so sorry for the trouble. I'll head out now. Please don't fight with Zoe because of me."
With that, my mom turned and walked out of my apartment.
I chased after her and caught her arm at the elevator.
"Mom, don't go."
She turned back, smiling as she patted my hand. "It's fine, sweetheart. I can sleep anywhere."
She had a smile on her face, but her eyes were rimmed with red.
I knew she was hurting. That forced smile was just to keep me from worrying.
But the harder she tried to hide it, the more my chest ached.