Mom looked toward the kitchen.
Colin leaned back.
“The last time I visited, she couldn’t open a jar. I had to help her.”
“What’s wrong with helping her?”
“Nothing. But she used to do everything herself. Watching her struggle frightened me.”
“You think it doesn’t scare me?”
Mom shook her head.
“You don’t understand what it’s like to watch your mother change.”
“I had to help her.”
“You’re right. I’m watching my grandmother change. But I’m still showing up.”
Mom looked away.
“I know.”
“She doesn’t need you to fix everything, Mom. She just needs you there.”
Mom sat down.
“I thought she’d understand why I couldn’t visit.”
“I know.”
“She understood you were busy. She just kept hoping you’d find another afternoon.”
An aunt admitted she’d canceled twice. Another said she’d assumed my visits were enough.
Uncle Colin leaned forward.
“The roof needs work, Kylie. Someone has to think about the costs.”
