6. Chapter 6
Chapter 6
BECKY
I woke up the next morning determined to make the best of this vacation. Today, I decided, would be a day to embrace joy. I’d bask in the sun’s embrace at the beach, letting the rhythmic waves wash away my worries. With a sense of purpose, I carefully packed my beach bag, making sure to include the second book of a fantasy series that had become my sweet escape.
As I turned on my phone, notifications about a series of missed calls from an unknown number fluttered on the screen. Unease rippled through me. Amongst them were several missed calls from my mother. Her needs always seemed to emerge like unexpected storms in my life. Standing on my porch, dressed in beach attire with my bag slung over my shoulder, I called her .
“Where’ve you been, Becky?” she asked, her voice full of impatience. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”
“Sorry, Mom. I’m on vacation. Remember?” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “What’s going on?”
Her words tumbled out in a rushed stream. “Becky, honey, I need money. The electricity’s about to be cut off.”
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of her request. Only a week ago, I’d given her a sizeable chunk of my monthly salary.
“What happened to the money I gave you last week?” I asked, my voice a blend of concern and disbelief.
“Oh, you know… life,” she responded. By life, she meant her latest deadbeat boyfriend.
“Mom, I can’t,” I said, my voice steadier than my quivering heart. “I’ve received warnings from the debt collectors. I need to be careful with my finances.”
There was a pause, heavy and thick. “You’re on holiday, aren’t you? Can’t you spare some for your mother?” Her tone, tinged with resentment, stung like a slap. I longed for her love, her approval, but each attempt to reach out was met with demands, void of affection.
“Mom, I need to manage my finances responsibly,” I explained gently .
“But Becky,” she said, her voice squeaky with desperation, “you’re my daughter. It’s your duty to help me.”
A familiar guilt tugged at me, but I stood firm, grounded in my resolve. “I’m sorry, Mom. I really can’t this time. Please try to understand.”
There was a click as she hung up, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I knew I’d made the right decision, but it didn’t make it any less painful.