New Leaves

A conversation between a mother and a teenage son.

Mother checks phone for text messages. Mother sends message to teenage son.

“Hello, Son. Dad and I are enjoying our trip with the grandparents. I ordered a few things for college and they should have arrived. Can you check and let me know? Open the packages and see if the clothes fit. If not we will need to send them back. Dad ordered something too, so check for that as well. – Mother

Silence

Mother sends another text later in the day.

“Hello, T. Just a reminder you have a dentist and eye appointment next week. I also want to make sure you and I have time set aside to do some shopping. We will be visiting your college next weekend, so don’t forget about that as well”. – Mother

Silence.

Mother sends another text in the evening.

“Hello my boy. We are driving home tomorrow and will arrive by Saturday. I can’t wait to see you. Do you have enough food? How is work going? Are things okay without dad and I? Is there any new news you’d like to share.” – Mother

Silence.

Mother goes to bed. Mother wakes up next day and checks phone for messages. Mother sees text from teenage son.

“Hi Mom. Packages arrived. I know the schedule. I have food. I’m good.” – Teenage Son.

The man of few words has spoken.