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"Dad thinks Im better than John Grishaenius "

"Are you saying our opinion is somewhat inflated?"

"Somewhat But I love you for it "

"Im proud of you, Katie," she said softly "I alanted to find sohans instead "

"You raised two great kids—well, one great one and one pretty good one," Kate teased "And you stayed married and made everyone happy You should be proud of that "

"I am, but"

Kate placed her hand on her mothers They both understood; every at-home mom in the world understood Ultimately there were prices to be paid for the choices a woman made "Youre my hero, Mom," Kate said simply

Moht in her eyes Before she could answer, the waitress returned with their salads and lemonades, put the lunch on the table, and left

Kate picked up her fork and started eating

The nausea hit without warning

"Excusea hand over her ly small cubicle, she threw up

When there was nothing left in her stomach, she went to the sink and washed her hands and face, rinsed out her mouth

Her whole body felt trembly and weak Her face in the mirror was bone-pale and drawn For the first time she noticed the dark shadows under her eyes

Maybe she was coroup was sick this week

Still feeling shaky, she returned to the table, under her aze