Our family life continued down its usual path. JD's dad worked his usual eight hour day and dutifully completed my honey do list over the weekend. I remained engaged with a circle of friends and also took time for myself, as I always have. JD did what JD does, which for the most part involved time in his room or time out with his friends.
My struggle with the thought of returning occurred in silence. It would run through my mind involuntarily for the most part; although there were times when I couldn't control myself and would intentionally call up the emotional and the visual. The desire and urge to fulfill myself as both JD's mother and lover was, and still is, compelling.
I could only wonder what was on JD's mind, as we sat through our meals, watched TV, talked about our daily lives. This stand-still remained intact until one evening.
I was finishing a load of laundry in the laundry room which is across the hall from JD's room. I heard JD talking on the phone and he sounded more animated than his usual monotone.
As a mother, I shouldn't feel jealous of a son's life beyond her reach, but the implication crossed my mind. I had to admit to myself, I wanted to hold onto to him in more ways than one.
The next morning, JD woke earlier than his usual 10 am. He left without as much as a goodbye, which was unusual. JD's dad was already at work. As I cleared the breakfast table, I heard a phone ring.
My phone rarely leaves my side, so I assumed JD's dad must have left his behind. I looked at the screen until went silent could tell it belonged to JD.
His phone was locked, but from the pop-up message it appeared the call had something to do with an online video meeting. I knew JD had an active online social life and could only imagine how far beyond the virtual he goes.