So you dont want to spend the holiday with me then?the voice was sharp, edged with a thin smile. Youve booked a separate package on purpose, just so I wont tag along, is that it?
Sam froze, his mouth opening into a thin line.
Mum, I told youIm going with Emily. Weve been planning this for weeks. Its not that Im trying to snub you we just want a break together.
The evenings at Sams flat often began the same way: a series of frantic calls to his mother. Her favourite pastime was guess why Im upset this time. Tonight, the puzzle was a mile away, because Sam had no clue what could have gone wrong.
Earlier that day theyd spoken without a hitch.
Mum, whats wrong? he asked, finally getting through. Ive been dialing for half an hour! Did something happen to you?
Margaret Whitmore only snorted into the receiver.
What do you mean? Sam pressed.
Figure it out yourself. Youve forgotten something.
I havent forgotten anything, Mum. What are you on about? A familiar helplessness settled over Sam. Whenever Margaret took offense, he felt like a child who could only whine.
He ran through the possibilities. Had he missed a birthday? Which one? Had his tone been too blunt? No
Mum, what are you talking about? he begged.
She finally relented.
Its the nineoclock call, Sam! You promised youd ring at nine and you didnt call until ten! I waited an entire hour! Can you imagine how that feels? You never think about your mother.
Sams head thumped against a stack of paperwork. Nine, tenhe remembered. Hed been stuck in a meeting that ran over, and the call slipped his mind. But to make a drama out of it?
Mum, Im sorry. I got caught up. We
So you got caught up? Margaret snapped. And Im the one who didnt get caught up? I sat there waiting for my precious son, who apparently has a calendar so full he needs a spare minute just to remember his own mother!
Mum, you know I love you. Its just
I know, I know, she sighed. You love me. But your love seems to have a strict timetable. If I dont remind you, youll never call! Thats not in your schedule. Brilliant logistics, Sam, truly topflight!
If only an apology would suffice but no. She would haul up every past transgression, read out the unwritten code of a proper son, and he would feel the weight of guilt he didnt quite understand. Hed missed a call by an hourhardly the end of the world.
Alright, Mum. I wont forget again. I swear.
Promises arent deeds, Sam. How many times have you promised?
And when did I actually keep one?
Remember sixth grade, when you?
And so it went.
Sam knew the pattern well. Little slips turned by his mother into catastrophes. Forgetting the rubbish meant disrespect. Buying the wrong brand of sausage was a sign of carelessness. Margaret was a master of exaggeration, and Sam, unfortunately, her only pupil.
Their relationship survived on endless apologies, concessions, and, of course, gifts.
Hows Mum? All patched up? Emily asked later.
Sort of at what cost? Sam replied.
Try to see it philosophically. You cant rewrite your mother, Emily soothed.
Emily was perfecttender, understanding, loving. She never made a scene over a missed call; she valued Sams time and respected his choices.
Of course I cant change her, Sam agreed, but what about the holiday? Where are we off to?
Sam, Emily said, Ive been looking at lastminute deals. What do you fancy? How long?
Sam smiled. A break with Emily was exactly what the doctor ordered; his head felt like a clenched fist.
Everything sounds good. You pick.
Hmm maybe Spain? Or the Algarve? Theres a decent hotel, flights leave in a monthperfect for your leave.
Lets see what else is out there. The main thing is we enjoy it.
Just as he was about to book, Sam thought of Mum. She would never forgive him outright. Then an idea struck.
Emily, why dont we also get a package for Mum? Somewhere else, of course, so she can have her own break.
Emily stared at him.
You sure? She?
Yes, Im sure. Trust me, everyone will be calmer if she gets a holiday too.
Sam decided that buying Mum a proper getaway would be the best solution. He found a seaside resort in Cornwall with glowing reviewsexactly the kind of place she adored.
Mum! he shouted into the phone. Guess what?
Whats this cheer for? And why should I dance? she snapped. Because my son finally remembered his old mother and bothered to call?
No, Mum. Im buying you a holiday. To the sea. Youll relax.
He heard no joy in her voicethere was none.
What? Margaret gasped.
Yes, Mum! Ive booked a twoweek stay for you at that lovely Cornwall hotel. While Emily and I head to Spain.
He realised he should have said at the airport that he wasnt coming with her.
So you dont want to spend the holiday with me? No joy at alljust a separate package so I cant cling to you, is that it? Margarets tone was ice.
Sam faltered.
Mum, I told youIm going with Emily. Weve planned this for ages. Its not that Im pushing you away we just want a twoperson break.
So you finally remembered me when you needed to shove me away? Youre trying to get rid of me so you can enjoy a quiet holiday with your Emily?
Sam covered his face with his hands. How could she make him feel like the villain when he was trying to give her a gift?
Mum I just want you to rest too! Whats wrong with that?
I dont need a holiday the way you think, Sam! I need a holiday with you. I wanted time with my son. And youre sending me off like Im a burden!
He clutched his head.
Again youve turned everything upside down
You know, Sam, she whispered, maybe Im not the mother you need any more, like I was when you were a kid
Silence settled, final this time.
Okay, Mum. As you wish. I hear you.
The phrase I hear you always grated on Sam at work, but now he had nothing better to say.
He hung up.
Emily heard the click instantly.
What now? Mum again?
Yeah, Sam sighed, Mum again.
Whats the problem this time? Did she hate the gift?
She wont travel alone! Shes angry, says Im shipping her off. Wants us to vacation together.
Emily chuckled softly.
Sam, she just wants you near her. Always. Youre her only son. She cant imagine life without you.
Sam thought Emilys laugh was misplaced. Hed been trying to keep his mother from intruding on his marriage, and now it seemed both women were caught in the crossfire.
But I cant be with her all the time. I have my own life, I have you.
I know, love. But for her its hard. She feels youre drifting away.
What am I supposed to do? Live under her skirt forever?
No, of course not. Maybe start by talking to her?
I tried, Emily. She wont listen.
Sam
I think I know my mother best. If she doesnt want it, she wont have it, and you cant force her.
In the end Sam and Emily flew to their longawaited resort. Margaret, as expected, called her sister Val, complaining about her ungrateful son.
Val, you wont believe it! she babbled for the hundredth time, my Sam I have no words. He bought me a holiday in Cornwall!
Well thats nice? Val replied. You wanted a holiday, didnt you?
Yes, I wanted him to go with me. To spend time together. And he he vanished with Emily somewhere far away! Im convinced they booked tickets to different cities just so I dont get in the way.
Val didnt entirely agree.
Thats with the wife, she said. Of course they want some alone time. Al, dont be angry, but youre getting in their way.
Me? Im not getting in the way! I gave birth to him, raised him. And now he ships me off! The worst part, Val, is he still doesnt understand why Im upset! He thinks I love making scenes out of nothing Thats our life, Val. I gave him everything and he gives me nothing back
Val, seasoned in family dramas, pretended to sympathise
