Ninety-Two

It’s so...

Bright.

And quiet.

But that’s typical for a Saturday.

Rubbing my eyes, I roll out of bed.

I walk through the house and notice something is different.

Where’s my mom?

It doesn’t smell like smoke.

Everything is clean.

Hmm… her room is empty.

Finally, I look out back.

There she is, planting little purple flowers around the house.

I open the door, and the warmest sun kisses my face.

My heart is the liveliest it’s been in months.

I can’t believe she’s awake.

Before me.

Sober.

“Good morning, Sis.

Want to help me plant?”

I nod my head yes and pick up a spade.

She’s even playing some of my favorite songs.

Can every day be like this?

Maybe she’s changed.

We plant for a couple hours.

“Okay, girl.

I think it’s time for lunch.”

I put down my spade, go inside, and head for the bathroom.

As I’m coming out, I see her tightening the little brown cap on her favorite glass bottle.

My heart sinks.

Things are just as they’ve always been.

Like they’ll always be.