Self Isolation

Self Isolation

Chapter 1

“I can’t stand this anymore!” exclaimed Ally as she slammed her phone into her back pocket. “I just can’t do this.”

“Do What?” asked Allison.

“Talk to my friends on the phone, Mom. I just get so frustrated.”

“But…I don’t understand. You love spending time on the phone with them. I haven’t seen your eyes in like, three years.” She jested, trying to lighten Ally’s mood.

“Mom. You don’t understand. That’s different. I could see them. Now all I see is their face. I don’t see them! You just don’t get it.” Ally said as she turned and stomped out of the kitchen, throwing her head back and shaking it as she clenched her arms to her sides, her fists crossed at the wrists against her chest.

I watched her as she walked away; and as the sound of her bare heels softened as they hit the wooden floor, her fists turned into open palms as she wiped away the tears running down her cheeks. Tears my daughter didn’t want me to see.

By the time Ally reached her bedroom, the door wouldn’t be slammed shut. No, it would close with a gentle click as the latch slid over the brass plate into the door frame. Her tears now replaced by a sad solemnest as she slowly shook her down-turned head. Climbing onto her bed, she scooted up to the top while arranging the pillows against the headboard, and there she just sat, in silence.

“It’s not fair Molly.” She finally said as she patted the bedspread beside her. That was all the Black Lab needed to hear in order to hop on the bed and snuggle next to her. Molly wasn’t allowed on the furniture unless invited, and she was a very good girl about that.

Hugging the dog, she just let go. “I miss them girl. I miss seeing them, doing things with them, going out with them. I feel so alone. I miss hugging them.” she sighed as she tightened her grip. With the tears now flowing again, Ally just held on tight to Molly’s neck and sat there rocking, side to side. After what seemed like forever, she took in a deep breath and sighed it back out, lightened her grip. Molly immediately looked up at her and started licking her face. “Oh Molly. You understand. Thank you and I love you girl,” she said with a smile, “but now I have to go wash my own face.”

By the time Ally came out of her room, dinner was ready. Allison had set the table instead of calling her to help. She figured Ally needed the time alone right now; and she knew when she needed her mom and when she didn’t, and this was one of those times she didn’t. Allison knew she’d be alright. Three months of this self isolation had, if nothing else, given them time to get to know each other all over again. Not as a mother and child, but as a mother and a young adult. As friends. Ally was still her little girl, and always would be, but both had grown in their relationship with each other, with their understanding of each other. This self isolation had shown them what was really important. Made them realize the difference between their wants and their needs, both materialistically as well as physically and emotionally.

“Good timing. All that’s left is to fix drinks. You hungry?”

“I really am.” said Ally. “Do you want iced tea with dinner, or you just going to have the rest of that half empty glass of wine?”
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