Treasure Every Moment

I cannot remember her voice. Years ago, I thought her words would never leave me. The songs, the stories, the dreams; all gone.

It was late. The answering machine blinked as I walked through the door. I listened as I cooked. Mom left a quick hello and an invitation to call.

I did not.

I was tired. I would call from work. I finished eating and went to bed. Two hours later, my phone rang.

“Mom’s dead,” my brother cried.

I would never talk to her again. Twenty years later, I cannot remember her voice.