After I’ve cleaned up our mugs and straightened the kitchen a little, I head to my mother’s room, pulling out my cell to call Jake while sprawling across the comforter.

He answers immediately, glad that I’m here and that I sound okay. I’ve nothing much to tell him; I’m simply happy to hear his voice. I tell him that I won’t see my mother until tomorrow and don’t want to talk about her tonight.

He makes me laugh, talking about how much he’s pining in my absence and being silly. My normal, mischievous Jake, that’s what I need right now.

“You know, tiny, I don’t have anything much going on....