"Mommy, don't go!" Will wailed, grabbing Ellen around the knees and holding on for dear life. She was dressed for the early flight, her purse on her shoulder, her roller bag packed and ready, but she wasn't going anywhere, blocked by the Wall of Guilt.
"Honey, I have to." Ellen rubbed his little back. "Remember, we talked about this? I have to go away for work but I'll be back very soon, in four or five days, probably."
"FOUR DAYS!" Will burst into new tears, and Connie intervened, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Will, you and me will have a great time. I brought ice cream, and we can make sundaes after school today. Won't that be fun?"
"Mommy, no!"
"Will, it's all right." Ellen had learned from experience that he would never calm down, so she gave him a last hug and kiss on the head while she pried his fingers off one by one, like the dewclaws of a kitten. "I have to go, honey. I'll call you tonight. You'll see, I'll be back soon."
"Say good-bye, W." Connie had him in hand. "Bye, Mommy, see you soon!"
"Love you, Will," Ellen said, opening the door the second she was freed and running out into the cold with her bag.
Wondering if every mother felt like a fleeing felon, at times.