“I should go home, and freshen up, get cleans clothes, I’ll be back shortly” Natalie looked up finally, her eyes sullen, she forced a smile onto her face.
Her mother nodded, a hint of understanding on her face, “take your time sweetie, rest, eat, I’ll be fine… besides, you’ve got work, you’ve missed lots of shifts already you don’t want to get sacked”
“No, Sophia is covering for me, I’ll rest when I get her, I don’t want to leave you on your own” Natalie protested.
“Listen to me Natalie, I’ll be fine, I’m here, I’m not going anywhere,” she smiled “at least not yet” she jokingly added
Natalie pouted, “don’t joke that way mom”
Her mother’s smile faltered for a moment, and she reached out to take Natalie’s hand. “I’m sorry sweet sweetie, you’ve been taken care of me and you’re neglected
