I sent her 1,000 dollars every month, and with her retirement pension, she should have had at least 2,000 dollars. How could someone who was always so neat end up collecting bottles?
Seeing my concern, Mom quickly reassured me.
"I wasn’t short on money, Reina. Don’t worry. I just needed something to do to keep myself occupied."
Seeing my expression soften, Mom finally let out a sigh of relief.
"You must have been hungry. Come on, Mom will make your favorite braised pork ribs."
I linked my arm with Mom’s and smiled, though my confusion only grew.
As we dragged my suitcase through the door, I noticed the house had changed.
The last time I was here, it had been immaculate. Now, it was in disarray.
Clothes and toys were scattered across the floor and the couch.
Mom began picking up the mess while gesturing for me to sit down.
I glanced at the haphazard doodles on the walls and frowned.
“Mom, why are there children’s drawings on the walls?”
Mom handed me a plate of freshly washed cherries and explained.
“That’s from Cody’s little son. Since it’s summer vacation, he’s been staying with us for a few days. Cody’s sister is here too…”
Cody Dalton was my stepfather.