THE TEMPTATION OF ESCAPE

"I think you are overreacting to all this, Mum," I said, trying to reason with her.

"I am not overreacting, Syd. I am protecting you two..."

I interrupted her, "Protecting us from what?" I asked, but got no immediate reply. "Protecting us from making friends, socializing, or getting accustomed to one environment," I paused, taking a deep breath, and continued sarcastically, "Protecting us from ourselves or from having a life."

"What are you protecting us from, Mum?" I screamed, expecting an answer, but she just sat there brooding. "I have had enough. I think you are being insensitive and melodramatic over a small issue," I said, frustration evident in my voice.

"You have to understand, Syd. I am doing this for you guys. I am..." She couldn't finish her words as tears welled up in her throat..