Again?

22

My heart pounded as I stepped off the escalator.

My suitcase wheels clattered against the floor, but I didn't slow down, weaving through the crowd.

The overhead announcements blended into a racket of noise, but I paid no mind, my focus solely on finding her. 

I darted past families, businesspeople, and vacationers, my eyes scanning the sea of faces.

I rounded a corner, my steps quickening as I neared the terminal.

There she was, standing near the arrivals gate, her eyes searching the crowd just as eagerly.

"Mom!" I called out, my voice barely audible over the din of the airport. Her head turned, and her eyes widened in recognition.

launched myself into her arms, my feet leaving the ground as I wrapped my arms around her neck. The familiar scent of her perfume enveloped me, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

She hugged me tightly, her grip strong and comforting, but then, all of a sudden, she started to hit me lightly on the back.

"This girl! What were you thinking, running like that?" she said. "Do you want to give me a heart attack? You're not a little girl anymore! I'm not strong enough to catch you like this!"

What? Where did that even come from?

I winced at her words.

"Mom, I just missed you," I said, trying to soothe her. 

"And I missed you too, but do you see me running around like a crazy person?" she continued, her voice rising. "You need to be more careful. What if you tripped? What if someone else fell because of you? You have to think!"

"Sorry, not sorry." And then she again slapped my shoulder.

"And what about my back? Do you think it's made of steel?" she added, still not letting up. "I'm getting old, you know. You can't just jump on me like that. What if I couldn't hold you? Do you want me to end up in the hospital?"

What  the—

Hey, are we not done yet?

"No, Mom, I don't want that," I said, shaking my head.

"Alright, alright," she said, smoothing down my hair. "Now, let's get your bags and get home. And no more running, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," I said with a smile, then added with a teasing grin, "I guess I'll just walk super slow from now on. Maybe you can even get me a walker?"

She narrowed her eyes at me, but I saw the hint of a smile on her lips. "Don't push it, young lady."

I am not young anymore. Pushing late 20's sheesh.

"Or maybe you need the walker," I teased, sticking my tongue out.

She sighed, shaking her head, and grabbed my wrist. "Enough with your nonsense. Come on, let's go before you cause any more trouble."

She started to drag me towards the baggage claim, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay, I'm coming! Geez, you're strong for an old lady."

"Just wait until we get home," she muttered.

I smiled. Yeah, things barely changed even after three years.

***

I sighed as I stepped out of the car and dragged my suitcase up the driveway. My mom had finally stopped lecturing me, but the silence was filled with my growing impatience. 

I checked my phone for the hundredth time—still no message, no call.

"Seriously?" I muttered under my breath, glancing at the time. He was supposed to be here by now.