My mother called me today. Said she misses me and wants me to come home. She even says my little brother talks about me.

I hang up.

"Who was it?" He asks me as his hands touch my back gently.

"My mom." I say looking at my lap. I hold back my tears, I miss them as well.

"What did she want?" He questions as he continues to caress me.

"She wants me to come back home." I say.

"Are you?"

He doesn't care.

"No."