You did your job in getting me to adulthood and now you're off to live the rest of your life?”

“Don't whine, Matthew. It's not becoming.”

“I'm not whining.”

“They've wanted me to move up for the past two years already, but I stayed so as not to displace you and take you away from your friends.

Now it's time."

“I suppose." My tone was still a little sulky. "I understand what you're saying, but it still feels like you're abandoning me... again."

“I'm not abandoning you. I'll always be your Mother. There are dozens of flights between New York and the Bay Area. It's just that... while you may not agree with my Life choices -- and indeed I don't agree with all of my life choices -- at this point my career is all I have left.

If you truly need me, I can be there, but I rather doubt you will. I'm leaving you in good hands, after all. And speaking of whom, I'll need you to promise me you'll watch over her.”

I blinked and glanced over at her.

“Sam? You're more worried about Sam than you are about me?"

Mother shrugged.

“Truth is: Samantha actually needed me more than you did this past year. And she'll need to lean on you once I'm gone."

I shook my head. "Sam's the strong one in the relationship."

“She's more fragile than you realize." Mother took a deep breath again, adding, "At some point, she's going to try and leave you.”

“I know. Zofi warned me."

Now it was Mother's turn to look surprised.

I glanced at her for just a moment before returning my attention to the road.

“Zofi told me that at some point, Sam's going to decide I'm a distraction she can't afford and break up with me. She also said Sam would always return to me, but nothing's ever guaranteed."

“Don't let her break up with you. Samantha needs you. Fight for her, even if she tells you she needs space."

I sighed. "You're giving me the exact opposite advice Zofi gave me."

“Well I happen to have more experience than Zofia does." Mother turned away quickly and stared out the window. A little too quickly.

“Is there a very personal experience you're not telling me about?" I asked, thinking about the last time she turned to stare out the window.

Mother sighed, and she gathered herself before stating, "I don't want

Samantha to make the same set of mistakes I did."

“I see."