19
“MOM, WHERE’VE YOU been? I was so worried about you,” I cried as she walked into the kitchen. I ran up to her and threw my arms around her.
Smiling, she stroked my cheek fondly. “I told you I had to take care of that soldier,” she replied. Her hair was a mess and there was blood splattered on her shirt.
“Are you okay?” I asked, pulling away. She looked pale and tired.
“I’m fine, honey,” she replied and took me into her arms again. “You know how much I love you, don’t you, my little Wild One?”
I closed my eyes and laid my head on her shoulder. “I love you, too, mom. God, I missed you so much.”
She squeezed me harder. “I need you, honey.”
I could hardly breathe she was squeezing me so tightly in her arms. “Sure, mom. Just don’t hold me so tight. I can... barely breathe.”
“I really
