Adult Blogger: WE LIVE TOGETHER cowed at her tone. "No, Mom. I just mean ... well ... Seth told me about you crying and I've noticed that you still do that sometimes. I've tried to get you to talk to me about it, but I guess it's weird for you. The house will be empty with out me and ..."
"Honey, I was alone while all of you boys were in school. I can handle it. Go. Do. Please grow up and have your own life! I will be fine, I promise!"
With that, Zach hugged his mother hard, then set about the task of packing to leave the next weekend. Marlee swallowed hard when she saw the boxes marked "sheets" and "towels". Inside, she knew she wasn't ready for 'alone', but couldn't bear the thought that Zach felt so responsible for her.
It took about two weeks after Zach left for the loneliness to really settle in. Marlee found herself wandering from room to room, searching for something she couldn't put her finger on. Her tears flowed freely, and her frustration at her lack of control grew. Then it happened. The doorbell rang.