Nothing serious. Just the kind of visit she’d always gone to with company. Lisa had offered immediately. “I’ll drive you, Mom. Don’t worry about a thing.” Helen had smiled at that. It felt nice to be looked after for once, to have her daughter take an interest. The morning came bright and still. Helen waited at the kitchen table, coat folded neatly, purse on her lap.
Eight thirty passed. Then nine. She poured herself a cup of tea to fill the time. At nine forty-five, her phone buzzed. Sorry, Mom. Something came up. Can you just go ahead without me? That was all. No call, no question about how she felt. Helen stared at the message, thumb hovering over the keyboard.