“Are you sure you’re okay staying here alone for the next few days?” Mom looks extremely stressed and worried but I know this is an important trip for her. As soon as I got home from the game, mom told me her work needed her to fly out for a presentation and the client was only available this weekend.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve trained me well, mother,” I say formally and it makes her smile, even if it’s a small smile. “But seriously, it’s ...