Thomas took the initiative. “Congratulations, sis.”
Her brother backed away leaving Ellen facing her mom. Both of them seemed a bit hesitant in moving forward, but they ended up in an embrace.
“Congratulations, honey.”
“Thanks, mom.”
Ellen began her withdrawal from the embrace, but her mom pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. “Your father is so proud of you.”
There was no progression in emotion. Ellen moved immediately to sobbing as she held her mother close. Ellen finally released the embrace and wiped her eyes with tissues supplied by Thomas. As she dabbed at her wet, red eyes, she could not help but notice the expression on her mother’s face. It was the same look of profound sadness she had seen six months ago on the morning of the phone call.
Ellen was assigned to a rotati
