Truth Telling

WC 284


They sit across from each other sipping lattes. Starbucks is bustling, but the mother recognizes no one.

“She has her fangs in you, Johnny.”

The mother waits for a reaction; when she gets none, she continues.

“I love you and want the best for you. I may not get another chance, so I am being bolder than I should be.”

Her son is married to a beauty queen; he can see nothing but her looks. The truth never reaches him. A narcissist, she is chipping away at every relationship he holds dear. Friends, one by one, are pushed out. His sisters (and their children) are on the outside looking in.

“To sneak around like this is so wrong?” The mother’s cancellation was so swift and cruel that she desperately wants to add, “That woman is evil. A demon!” but that would sound crazy--so she doesn’t.

“I have to go, Mom.”

“You won’t even hear me out?”

“There’s a conference call I can’t miss.”

“You’re just saying that. I’ve said too much…” She touches his hand. “Honey, have I lost you for good?”

A tear slides down his cheek; he wipes it away. “I really have to go.”

“I’m worried for you.”

“I know her, Mom.”

“You don’t, Johnny. You’re too close to it.”

He gets up and walks over to his mother. Enveloping her in his arms, he whispers, “I’ve seen beneath her mask. I’m handling it. Trust me.”

He picks up his latte. “Please wait. We can have lunch after the call.”

He kisses her on the forehead and hurries out the door; she sits in relieved silence sipping her mocha latte.