Skyjackers - Episode 3: The Winds of Justice (Skyjackers: Season One) (7 page)

Somehow, Jonathan managed not to tell his sister about his
career troubles the whole time he was visiting. Whenever she asked him how work
was going, he provided what details he dared while always staying just short of
a lie. His mother never asked him about work. She did ask about school, though—several
times, in fact. Jonathan humored her where he could and offered a gentle
reminder whenever she strayed too far off track. Sometimes, Mother would simply
smile as if to admit her mistake. At others, she would break into fits of
anger, frustrated with herself and unable to understand why her mind had
betrayed her.

At the end of his stay, Jonathan packed more into the car
than he’d arrived with and bid his family farewell. “You can’t carry on like
this forever, Win,” he told her as they stood in the driveway.

“I’ve had my moments, but having you here has made me realize
she’s much better off in her family’s care than in some home for the elderly,”
Winny said. “I can do it.”

“I know you can,” said Jonathan. “The question is whether you
should. You’ve got to get on with your life at some point. Caring for Mother is
more than a full-time job. When do you get any time for yourself?”

“She’s off to bed early most nights. I do have some personal
time.”

“That was a rhetorical question. Don’t you want a social
life? Don’t you want to go out and meet some nice young insurance salesman who
wears three-piece suits and lives in a fancy high-rise downtown?”

“There will be time for all that,” said Winifred. “Of all the
young men in the world I wish would come around more often, you’re at the top
of the list.”

Jonathan mocked her with a dewy-eyed grin.

“Oh, shut up, you,” she said, swatting him on the arm.

“It’s been great to see you, Win. I know you’ll take good
care of Mother. Just remember to take care of yourself every now and then.” He
gave her a strong hug, got into the car, and backed down the driveway, missing
them both already.

Afterword

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Skyjackers
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