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Show Fair Forever 126 "The man said I did a good job. All the other drivers waved." "You were driving in traffic!" Mom's face is getting red. "I told the man I wanted to row to the lighthouse," I add quickly, finally getting to the point of my story. "He said 1 should go before the weather changed Y "The lighthouse is too far!" Mom's lips are twisted into a knot. "The guy told me to time the tides. He thought I would do great." "He also asked you to drive his truck without a driver's license. In traffic." "I'm strong enough," I say. "It's too soon," Mom insists. "I could start at the marina." "It's too soon!" I don't quarrel. I know it won't do any good. Mom slowly calms and her breathing relaxes. She slips off her shoes. "Take me out on the bay," she says, suddenly. "Row me out to Beacon 9. I've never been that far." Astonished, I turn and face her. She's waiting. The comers of her eyes are upturned, smiling. I walk to the screen door and hold it open with a grin. As I row, Mom sits on the back bench and leans on her hands. She closes her eyes. She's small,Tight. We glide easily toward the channel, her head rocking slightly with each pull of my oars. "What a gorgeous day!" she says again. "Not like that day Amanda rowed in the rain. I was worried that day." "It was a Sunday," I say, "just like today, April the tenth." Mom listens, her eyes still closed. I continue, "Amanda floated in the channel, her face buried in her hands. I |
