The Truth

Jack broke down as his mother turned to face him, unable to hold back the torrent of tears he had tried to suppress.

His mother's straight dark hair was a mess, scattered about enough to serve as a nest for several birds. Her usually strained, but happy grey eyes were filled with immense sadness, tears leaking out excessively, the flow increasing as her eyes met her son. She reached out forward and grabbed him by his shirt, peering into his eyes to ensure he was real and not a ghost that had found its way home.

"I'm here," he sobbed, pulling her in for a hug. "I'm sorry."

She thumped her hands against his chest and wailed. "Where the hell were you Jack? Do you have any idea how worried I've been? Did you stop to think how I'd feel?"

Jack winced as she increased her voice, practically yelling in his ear as she squeezed him harder.

"What the hell were you thinking?! Are you okay? Who were you with? Why didn't you call me?"

"Mom."