Chicken Nuggets and a Nap
Katherine is in the kitchen. She’s been busy packing. She’s warming up some lunch in the microwave and I come out to the kitchen to sit on the bench seat under the window. “Do you have a minute?” I ask. She looks over at me as she grabs her plate and shuts the microwave door. “Like, a real minute?” she says. I look at the clock. I know she’s busy and in a hurry. But maybe, just maybe, it will help if I say this aloud. “I’m sad,” I tell her. “What are you sad about?” she asks. She squirts ketchup on the side of her plate, grabs her fork, and sits down to eat. I consider her question. “I think it’s a combination of things,” I answer. “You’re leaving for grad school and I’m starting a new job. I’m excited for our new opportunities, but also a little anxious. I feel like summer is ending and I’m not ready for it to end. Like right now, I should be doing some professional development trainings, but I feel like taking a nap.” “I’m sorry, Mom.” Katherine finishes the last of her