He thanked his "real mom" at the reception I financed.

I didn't take everything.

Some memories travel. Others remain.

My phone rang.

Ethan.

I replied.

"Mom," he said quickly, "what's going on? I went to your apartment. There are trucks outside."

"I'm moving," I said.

"Where are you moving to? Why didn't you tell me?"

I almost smiled. The question said more than he intended.

"I didn't think it was necessary," I replied. "You made it clear at your wedding that I'm not your real mother."

Silence.

"Stop with the nonsense," he finally said. "You know I love you. Carol is like a second mother to me."

Second mother.

As if words could lessen the pain of being uprooted.

"If you need to reach me," I said calmly, "contact Mr. Miller. He has my updated contact information."

"Why do you have a lawyer?"

"I'm getting my affairs in order. Responsible people do that."

His voice became hoarse. "You scare me."