A Mother's Wish

A Story by LadyRae

for all the mothers out there

She knew, at some point, they wouldn't technically need her, but she knew, in the depth of her mind, they'd always need her. But eventually, they would want to be independent. And, to her dismay, that day had arrived. She shook her head, holding back the tears. She didn't want them to think it was hurting her. It really wasn't, but it just upset her a little to know she wouldn't be able to dote on them like she used to. With a sigh, she continued to write the letter she had started. A sad smile gracing her lips.

Upstairs, she could clearly hear her boys talking. The sound of suitcases thudding, and Tom chastising Bill for packing to much into one suitcase. Another 'thud' echoed through the tiny house. A quick "Sorry, Mum" filtered down the stairs. Footsteps, a few more thuds, then a bright, "We're done," was heard just above her head. She remained at the table, fidgeting with the envelope. She had some sense of calm, knowing that they would be alright. She had no need to worry. They had each other, they would be safe. She sipped her tea before tuning back into the sounds that filled her house, one last time.

Tom came barreling down the stairs, two suitcases in hand.

"I still don't understand how you accumulated so much s**t Bill. Honestly. And why am I carrying your s**t to the car again?'"

She snickered a little as the playful bickering between the boys continued.

"Because Tom, I am carrying the f*****g box of yours. You know, the one with all 300 something caps of yours!"

"Still! Its no where near as heavy as your clothes!."

Bill glared in the direction of his brother.

"That's what you think, big brother."

She laughed softly, watching from her hidden spot at the table. Bill was carrying a box, pointedly labeled "Tom's Caps" on the side. Tom had already made it out the door, leaving Bill trying to get the door open around the box.

"Damn it Tom! Open the door!"

She could hear Tom laughing as he hauled the door open, allowing Bill out. She heard the screen door slam, and footsteps ascending the stairs. The screen door slammed one more time, and another pair of footsteps ascending the stairs. Her twin's bickering continued upstairs. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but it was more then likely, over Bill's clothes and Tom's hats. In her honest opinion, as their mother for these past 19 years, both boys had a lot of stuff. It was just neither would own up to that fact. She fingered the envelope again, quickly remembering that this will be the last time she got to listen to them. She sighed. She was trying so hard to be strong, but it was so hard to watch her babies leave.

"Tom! Do you think the G's would help us move in?" Bill yelled from the stairs.

"Geez, Bill, I don't know. Why don't you call them ... for the fifteenth time."

"Don't have to be such a prick, I was just suggesting." The pout evident in her youngest's tone.

"Sorry, but if they didn't answer the first time, or the last, they aren't going to answer now."

She stood from the table, realizing that they would be leaving soon. She held tight to the envelope as she headed towards the living room.

"Hey boys, you almost ready?" She plastered a smile to her face, but her tone was clearly sad. Both boys instantly stopped talking and turned towards her.

"Mum."

She sniffled as four arms wrapped her in their embrace.

"Oh boys. I am going to miss you so much."

She pulled back to look into the eyes of her beloved baby boys. Oh how fast they have grown up. And, oh, how she was going to miss them. She smiled through her tears as she pushed them towards the door.

"Remember to call me once you're settled."

"Alright, Mum," was the unison response.

She followed Tom and Bill out to Bill's SUV. She watched as Bill handed Tom the keys. She closed her eyes, willing the tears to stop flowing. She suddenly gasped as a pair of arms wrapped around her again.

"Don't worry, Mum we'll be alright. We have each other. We'll be just fine, I promise."

She couldn't help but smile at the reassurance in her youngest's voice. She pushed him off as his twin honked the horn, signaling he was ready to go. She deftly slipped the envelope into Tom's hoodie pocket, knowing Bill would find it soon.

She watched with sad eyes as the pulled out, leaving to start a life of their own.

***

Hours later, Bill dug into the pocket, knowing he shoved his money in there. He dug around his brother's hoodie pocket, praying he, did in fact, shove his money in there. His fingers brushed against something, but he couldn't figure out if it was his money, or something of Tom's. Curiosity set in, and he pulled the envelope out. Confused, he walked towards his brother, whose head was stuck behind their television.

"Tomi ..."

"Yeah Bill ...?"

"I think mom gave us something."

Tom pulled his head out from behind the television set, and stared up at his twin.

"Like what?"

Bill shrugged and took a seat on the couch. He glanced over as Tom brushed his hands off on his jeans, and then sat beside him. Bill skillfully opened the envelope, before pulling the paper out. He opened it up, scanning over the words she had penned just hours earlier.

"Well, what is it?" Tom asked.

"A letter."

Before Tom could ask anymore questions, Bill cleared his throat and began to read.

Dear Tom and Bill,

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walking till you find the window,

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,