“Mom, Molly and I are having serious problems.”
Silence.
“What kind of problems?”
“The kind I need to handle privately.”
“Oh, Kevin. Is she all right?”
“Ask her.”
Mom paused.
“Does Kai know?”
I closed my eyes.
“Whatever Kai says tonight, please don’t let him speak for me.”
“What on earth does that mean?”
“It means I haven’t agreed to anything he plans to announce.”
Her voice became more serious.
“Kevin, you’re worrying me.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to explain everything over the phone.”
“All right, sweetheart.”
Then she added, “Whatever happens, you’re my son.”
I swallowed hard.
“Thank you, Mom.”
It was the first time in years that I’d heard her say something like that without mentioning Kai in the same breath.
I hung up and sat quietly for a while.
I didn’t call my father.
I didn’t message relatives.
I didn’t send anyone pictures or demand that they take sides.
