I passed by the kitchen, and mom already was there. She was wearing gray cotton shorts and a long sleeve, gray cotton top with a big scoop neck over what looked like a white tank top. She was in her bare feet, too. She had a clutch of pasta noodles in her hand and already was busy making dinner. She looked up from her task at me and smiled.

I was aware I was standing in front of my mom, naked but for a bath towel. I'm not conceited about my looks, but I'm not shy about my body, either. I'd been in a towel in front of my mom...