When I told my children, however, their reactions were not what I had hoped for.
“Mom, you’re doing what?” Sarah asked over the phone.
“I’m going to the seaside for a week.”
“Alone?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Alone.”
She sighed loudly.
“Mom, do you have any idea how dangerous it is to travel alone at your age? What if you fall? What if you get sick? What if someone takes advantage of you?”
“I’ll be staying at a reputable resort. I’ll have my phone, and I’ll let you know when I arrive.”
“But why now? The children have their school activities next week, and I was counting on you.”
There it was.
Not once had she asked whether I was excited.
Not once had she asked what I planned to do there.
She had simply assumed that my time belonged to her.
Michael was even more direct when I called him later.
