Goodbye

KAYSEN*

I opened my door to my mom rocking Cora in the rocking chair I had in my room. Cora had her head rested on one of my dirty shirts that my mom had draped upon her chest.

Cora was asleep, but I could see that she had been crying. I should have known better. Cora always wakes up around three on the nights that I work. Typically that's when I would get home; Cora would always want cuddles, and I'm two hours late getting home.

My mom looked pissed beyond words. I walked over and picked Cora up, and she woke up slightly.

"Mommy, you are home," Cora said as she nuzzled her head into my chest. Mom didn't say anything and walked out of my room, leaving the door open.

"Yes, baby, so sorry mommy is late getting home tonight. Mommy is off for the next two days, so I'll make it up to you," I said as I sat in the rocking chair and began rocking Cora again until she fell back asleep.

Looking down at Cora's sleeping form, I started to think my mom was right. I shouldn't be stripping or workin