They hadn’t visited the lake since Abigail’s parents
divorced.
“Mom, can
we go back to the lake this summer?” Abigail asked.
“I don’t
know, honey,” her mother said. “That was
a thing we did when your father was around.”
“I
know. It’s just that I really like that
lake. It makes me feel better.”
“I don’t
know, honey.”
“Just for a
short vacation, you know. It’ll be nice.”
Her mother
didn’t respond. She took another drink
from her wine glass.
“I want to
live there.”
“Live
there? Everyone you know lives down
here. Don’t be silly.”
“You always
do this.”
“Do what?”
“Ever since
the divorce, you ignore me.”
“Oh, Abby,
don’t put up such a fuss.”
“It’s
Abigail.”
“Okay,
Abigail.”
Her words
were beginning to slur. Since the
divorce, Abigail’s mother began to look toward alcohol to soothe the pain from
the separation.
“You really
need to start drinking less,” Abigail said.
“Are you my
doctor?”
“No, Mom,
but—”
“Then don’t
tell me what I need to do.”
“I’m just
trying to help you out. I’m worried
about you.”
“Don’t be.”
It was
Friday night and Abigail knew she wasn’t supposed to be out late, but she
decided to leave. She grabbed her mother’s
car keys and headed towards the door.
“Where do
you think you’re going?”
“Out.”
“Out.”
“I don’t
think so, young lady.”
“I’m not
going to sit here while you drink yourself into a stupor.”
“Don’t you
dare leave, Abigail Jane.”
She opened
the door.
“Abby!”
She looked
back at her mom, slumped on the couch and nearly passed out. She turned away and closed the door. As she got into the car, her mother opened
the front door and began to yell.
“Come back
right now! Don’t do this! You’re just like your father!”
Abigail
drove off, hoping to forget everything that happened at home.
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