Chapter 12
“I didn’t want to leave his side,” I said to my mother in the living room, shaking off the memory, and leaving me numb and hurt.
“He knew you were by his side.”
The sound of a clock chimed somewhere in the house.
“Was he in any pain?” I asked.
“He was comfortable.”
I shook my head. “Being here without Dad is strange.”
I haven’t seen his urn anywhere in the house since I arrived.
“It’s going to be a difficult period for all of us,” my mother said.
“How are you coping?” I asked.
“Better than expected.”
Better than expected.
I was surprised at my mother’s controlled composure. “I was anticipating—”
“A crazy mother, wailing and carrying on?” There was humor in her voice.
“I was worried about coming home, Mom.”
She sighed. “Honestly, Chris, I’ve had a lot of overwhelmi
