RILEY.
It’s been five days since I last saw my family. I'm still at the hotel, and right now, I have my mom on the phone, her voice filled with worry.
“Please, honey, come home.”
Playing with my hair, I respond, “Mom, I’m okay. Truly, I just need some time alone.”
“You’re not fine; I can hear your depression over the phone.”
My mother has always been a worrier. “I’m not depressed, and I promise I will come home. Just give me a little more time. Okay? The last couple of weeks have been tough; this time away is helping me.”
She sounds like she’s crying as she says, “How much longer, Rye? Nothing is the same without you. You’ve already missed so much.”
I roll my eyes. “I'm sure I haven't missed a lot. I’ll be home tomorrow. I have a few things I need to sort out today, and I want to ta
