Isaac’s mother started on again about his issues. About being unemployed. About sleeping in a friend’s basement. About drinking too much. About how badly he’d treated his last girlfriend—the one who’d been “such a sweet girl.”
Isaac loved his mother but, usually, he tried to avoid her because of her constant judgment. This morning, he’d decided to reach out and invite her to meet for coffee—his treat. He couldn’t afford much, but he could certainly manage that.
Now, hardened by her criticism, Isaac was starting to regret that decision. And the news of his terminal illness was left unsaid.
Well done. Remember those days, except that it was mom with the bad news.
I guess pride does go before a fall. And I wonder if his mother would change her attitude if she knew the truth? A good story, Scott.
If she knew, Mom might blame her son for causing his own illness, e.g.,. smoking too much, unprotected sex, not getting a colonscopy, not exercising enough, etc. Otherwise, Mom might have to speculate that she had something to do with it. — maybe the genes he inherited form her. When unexpected calamities occur, people often try to come up with some kind of reason or explanation. That there is some sort of divine plan. Some order in the universe.
Missed the first line past perfect but otherwise hard hitting and well written. I’ll forego waxing philosophical, sinc ethat ain’t why we’re here.
A strong story Scott. Your characterization was spot on- why open up that Pandora’s box with mom.
Scott. Well done.