“Well, I’m off then. You tell that girl that she had better start taking care of my little girl. That refrigerator was practically bare.” Sharon finished putting the groceries away and gathered up her things before heading to the door.

“Mom, I can take care of myself. Alice is not responsible for me. I’m all grown up now.” Dana could never help the tone of her voice when she talked to her mother.

“Well, dear I know a vast amount of people who would love to make it their responsibility to take care of you. You think about that when you have an empty fridge and that girlfriend of yours will not go shopping.”

“Mother.” Dana warned.

“Ok. I’m only saying this to let you know that you always have options. Honestly Dana, you’re selling yourself short with this one.”

Dana felt the familiar anger rising to her cheeks. “Mom, can we not do this every time that we see each other. It’s been like five years, ok? Alice is my choice, not yours. So just leave her alone alright?” Dana hated it when her mother bad mouthed Alice, but every time she came over she had something to say about her daughter’s choice of partner. And every time it made Dana angry that her mother was still, stubbornly refusing to accept Alice. This time, though, it was different. Dana couldn’t tell if she was angry that she and her mother were having the same old argument or if she was angry that her mother had been right all along.

“Dana, honey, just calm down and give me hug. I really have to be going. And we can continue this discussion when we both have more time.” Dana sighed and went over to give her mother a hug. Once Sharon’s arms were wrapped around her Dana remembered that her mother really did mean well, she just had a funny ay of showing it. She held on for an extra second and gave her mother a squeeze before pulling away. “I love you sweetie.” She said as she walked out the door toward her car.

“I love you too, mom.” Dana called out as she stepped outside of the door to see her mother off.