Love Games

03||Mother

🦋Amina

Growing up was a wild ride, and I admit, I put my mom through the wringer during my teenage years. Yet, through it all, she stood by me, being both my BFF and biggest cheerleader. It was just the two of us since my dad passed when I was five. So, when I decided to move 45 minutes away to the next town over, it hit me hard – not having our nightly chats or seeing her every day was a big change.

But, whenever I had a chance, I made it a point to hang out with her. Today was one of those days. Before heading to work, I decided to swing by her office with some flowers, her go-to coffee order, and a congrats balloon for nailing it in her career.

Stepping out of the car with these goodies, I walked into the police department. Faces I'd known forever greeted me – the crew my mom worked with for years. It felt like a slice of home in the middle of the daily grind.

"Hey, everyone!" I greeted, strolling in. Marie, one of the officers, pointed me in the direction of my mom's office. "Your mom's in there," she said, and I gave her a quick thanks before making my way to the back.

I knocked on the door, and as I walked in, some random dude was leaving. I didn't pay him much mind. "Hey, Ma, got a little something for you," I grinned, dropping the goodies on her desk. She snagged me in a bear hug. "This coffee is a lifesaver; thanks, baby girl." Wrapped up in that hug, it hit me how much I appreciated the bond we had.

Chilling on her office couch, feet kicked up, I watched her take a sip of the coffee, a grin spreading on her face. Those moments, making her smile after all the teenage drama I dished out, were priceless.

"So, how's your day going?" I broke the quiet.

"This case is driving me insane. Info overload but no breakthrough," she sighed, frustration in her voice.

"You got this, Ma. If anyone can crack it, it's you," I cheered her on.

"Hell yeah," she nodded. Just as she was about to spill more, Marie barged in. "Chief James," she said, interrupting. "Rob says dead end on the new info." Mom let out a frustrated sigh.

"Okay, but still log it. I want everything jotted down, even the small things," my mom instructed.

"Got it, boss," Marie replied, promptly walking out.

"Wow, this case has you in one big frenzy," I remark, standing up. My mom sighs, "Yeah."

Giving her one last hug and a kiss upon the cheek, I say, "Well, I'll leave you to it. I have to be getting ready for work soon anyway."

She hugs me tighter. "I'm so proud of you. Have a great day, honey," my mom expresses. She never misses an opportunity to tell me how proud she is, and I appreciate it – it's like my mini encouragement.

I pull away, saying my 'I love yous' before exiting and making my way to my car. It's 10 am on a Sunday, so the pharmacy opens later today. I need to be there by 11:30 since I'm on opening duty. The police station to my house is a quick 10-minute drive.

Once home, I take a speedy shower before throwing my kinky curls into a low bun and putting on my uniform. The routine of preparing for work feels familiar and comforting, setting the tone for the day ahead.

•••

I had been managing the pharmacy for the past hour, overseeing the opening routine. Just as I completed my tasks, Ivy walked through the door.

"Good morning!" she beamed. "How many more refills are left?"

"Not much. I can handle the refills while you take care of the front counter if you want," I offered, aware of her aversion to that aspect of the job.