Bed, Bath & Beyond Exhausted
It’s Black Friday, and most of the family has made the sensible choice of sitting this one out. I say most of us, because Mom decided to get to the mall for a midnight opening.
She comes through the door carrying three shopping bags around midday, so she’s been gone twelve hours. The rest of us are in the living room: Dad reading, my sister napping, me scrolling on my phone.
Mom: “I’m back.”
Dad: “How’d it go?”
Mom: “Crowded. Loud. People were already lined up before midnight.”
She sets her bags down. Inside: a candle, some socks, and a discounted blanket.
Sister: “Did you get the big deals you wanted?”
Mom: “Most of the good stuff was gone.”
Me: “Sorry, Mom.”
She looks around the calm, quiet room.
Mom: “What did you all do?”
Dad: “Relaxed. Made breakfast. Watched a movie.”
Sister: “It’s been nice.”
Mom presses her lips together, staring at her bags again.
Mom: “…Well. Good. I’m glad someone had a peaceful morning.”
There’s a silence.
Me: “Want to sit and relax with us now?”
She sinks onto the couch with a sigh.
Mom: “I would… but it’s hard to unwind when the only thing I fought for today was a candle, and the three of you fought for absolutely nothing… and still won.”
