Christmas – 2004
Janet saw Nate striding down the terminal of Portland"s International airport with his duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He knifed his way through the crowded concourse to where she anxiously awaited behind the security checkpoint. When he crossed into the public waiting area, she ran up and threw her arms around him. I can"t believe you"re home. Good Lord, look at you. You"re a man. When did this happen?
“Hey Mom,” he said, dropping his bag and lifting her halfway off her feet.
She pulled back, looking at him. His face was the same, but the closer she looked, she saw a grim edge to his smile and a subtle dull sheen to what had once been shining eyes.
“It"s so good to have you home,” she said, touching his face, his hair, and his neck. She wanted to cradle his whole
