"Thanks, Mom."
I tried to give her a reassuring smile as I patted her knee and stood up. "Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight, Mom."
I turned to go. "Mom?"
"Yeah, Sweetie?"
"You shouldn't let anyone tell you differently, either."
I smiled at her. "Okay."
As I shut the door behind me I closed my eyes. "Too late for me,...