Holding the Line With My Mother

My mom wrote on court documents when I was 12 that she had no son. I left through the

courts because she was abusive, moved in with my dad, and carried that

rejection for years. We barely spoke until I got sober in 2018 and tried reconnecting.

I asked if she ever reflected on the abuse. She told me to let it go already,

I was an adult now. Any forgiveness would be one-sided. Last summer I invited her to see a band

she loved. Wednesday arrival, Thursday concert, Friday she'd visit my sisters,

Saturday I'd leave for my own trip. She agreed. When she arrived, she mentioned booking

only a one-way ticket. I reminded her multiple times to book the return. Friday came,