It’s happening again and I’m painting on my Brave Face and getting through it. That’s called being an adult, or so my mother said.

“I know you’re not happy about this, Nina, but if you want Alex in your life that means supporting him in his career the same way he would support you.”

“But I’m not constantly trying to move away.” I picked up another one of the ginger cookies and broke it in two.

“You better eat that one,” she said in a sharp tone.

“I will.” I pushed half the cookie in my mouth to prove the point and nearly choked on the crumbs.

Without a word she filled a glass of water and set it at my elbow, then resumed her seat at the head of the kitchen table.

Once I stopped coughing, she con...

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