When I get home, my mom is in the kitchen, and Gerald is watching cartoons on TV. I'm always happy when everything is okay at home because my mom can snap at any minute, and then the house won’t feel like a home anymore.
"Hey, Mom."
"Hey, baby. Glad you're back."
"Hey, Ger?"
He just smiles at me and keeps watching. He’s a kid, but I know Dad leaving affected him, and it gets worse when Mom starts drinking.
"Can I tell you a secret?" he whispers, and I sit closer to him.
"Yeah?"
"Mom is drinking again."
Damn! Mom told me she would stop drinking after what happened last time, but apparently, she’s still at it.
"Why do you say that?"
"I saw a bottle in her closet. When you're not around, she locks herself in her room and cries. Is Mom okay?" He’s almost in tears.
"Yes, Mom is okay.
