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“I love you too, Mom, you know that,” I tell her, and she nods She doesn’t say anything more as she lies back on the pillows She’s tired I can tell by the way her eyes flutter, but she es to keep them open and on me She watches led in those faentle breaths co from her “Tell me about one of your happiest memories?”

She smiles I can tell the sadness has taken over her “Besides having you?” she whispers,tears burnup in New Orleans was special The city brings out thehappiness to anyone And there was never a dull moment” Her breaths come out shallow, but the more she speaks, the deeper she s into et a chance to visit, go there”

“I will, Mom,” I tell her “I promise”

“I know you’ll love it The city is” Her words falter, her eyes flutter, and my heart stops for a second before she reaches for my hand “The city is filled with places to fall in love,” she tells etting over pain, but you will”

I know she’s trying to tellher I don’t want to say goodbye, not yet I want her to stay, to grow old, and walk

Even as I pray to a god I no longer believe in

I know it’s time

“I love you, Neacakes Find love Go to New Orleans”

Julian

Twenty-one years old

I always saw , responsible, and everything I wanted to be when I grew up For a long tiht I would be like hi creative pieces that people would buy and hang in their homes

But now that I see theinto the house at aler Yes,up, but he never did anything this irresponsible