An Hour of Worry

Mom said she'd be home at 4pm. It's 5pm now and she's still not here.

Every noise in the house sounds louder when you're alone. I keep checking my phone but no

texts, no calls. My mind's racing through every worst case scenario.

Did something happen to her? Is she okay? The house feels bigger and emptier

with every minute that passes. I'm trying to stay calm but my heart won't stop pounding.

Finally hear keys at the door. She just lost track of time at the store. That hour felt like

forever.