Honestly, I was half expecting her to reject me, considering the mood she'd been in lately. But I couldn't help myself and, when Mom's arms clutched me close, her familiar voice whispering in my ear soothing sounds mothers make when their children need comfort, it almost made things worse. I took a long few minutes to just hug her and cry and reconnect to the mom I loved so much while she not only allowed it, she encouraged me.
When I finally pulled away, snuffling and wiping at my nose, I realized we weren't alone, that Daisy stood off to one side, holding a box of tissues in one hand she quickly rushed to offer me when Mom released her tight hold. I helped myself to several, blowing my nose and emptying the last of my stress into the soft sheets before hugging Mom again, kissing her cheek.
"Mom," I whispered in her ear, "I'm so sorry about everything."