The Life of Alexander Cross

I see my mother clench her towel closer to her body as she asks, "Alex, do you know why I'm naked?" I know she's supposed to be my mother, but I've felt like the guardian in this house. I wait for her to figure it out herself, but I only see an ignorant expression on her face waiting to hear my answer.

I sigh, "I found you in the tub passed out. I'm glad you were smart enough to not fill it with water. Or you would have died. What then?"

She looks contrite as I scold her more after seeing her room. I pause to give her time to defend herself, but she only sits there, waiting for me to end my speech.

I give up when all I see in my mother's eyes are emptiness because she has nothing left to give me.