I’m folding laundry by the bed where my dying mother lies. I try to think of a light topic we can discuss, an anecdote to share. My brother sits nearby, dissociating thanks to TikTok. Tripping over her tongue tumor, my mom croaks out a few words. “You fold socks the right way, Emily,” she manages. “Tommy and Dad do it the wrong way.” I fake a laugh. At least she’s not criticizing me for once, but I still hurt for the boys, who are too numb to hurt for themselves. My therapist’s reminder echoes: People die the way they live.
Emily Hessney Lynch is a freelance social media strategist who writes short stories. She lives in Rochester with her husband and their two rescue dogs. Find Emily on Twitter and Instagram @EHL_writes.