45
Charlie
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JACKIE’S PLANE WAS right on time. As soon as I saw her, I could tell that something was wrong. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
“I’ve missed you so much and you’ve only been gone for a couple of days,” she said as we hugged.
“I know. I’ve missed you, too.”
She stepped back and then we headed toward the luggage claim area.
“Are you okay?” I asked, noticing how quiet she was and how she smelled like alcohol. Although she wasn’t drunk, it was obvious that she’d had a few on the plane.
She gave me a wan smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Mom’s having some issues and I’m just a little worried about her.”
“Why, what’s going on?” I asked, concerned.
“We’re not really sure. She’s been having some stomach pains. It could be an ulcer. We don’t know.”
“I’m so sorry to hear tha
