My husband, Liam Clark, told me he wanted to take his mother on a road trip during the National Day holiday.
Since I had to work overtime, I personally packed matching scarves for both, my mom and my mother-in-law.
I smiled and said to my husband, “Then bring my mom along too. The two old ladies can keep each other company on the road and they can take pictures of each other.”
He readily agreed.
But, on my way home from work, my mother called with trembling voice, “Anne... they left me at the service area. Liam didn't wait for me...”
I immediately called my husband to ask him.
Then I heard the sound of fireworks and the joyful laughter of his mom. He casually explained, “Your mom stayed in the restroom for half an hour while my mom was rushing to catch the fireworks show.”
“Anyway, she can read, right? She can just take the bus to the scenic area to meet us, then.”
——
I took a deep breath, forced myself to stay calm. This wasn’t the time to argue. I hung up immediately and called my mother back.
“Mom, listen to me. Find the service area staff right now and ask them to stay with you, okay?”
“I'll come pick you up right now! Two hours at most! Oh no, one and a half! Wait for me!”
“Alright. But, Anne, don't rush, okay? Drive carefully.”
Even at this moment, my mother was still worrying about me.
I set the GPS to the last location from my mom’s phone, it was a service area about 150 kilometers away. Less than ten minutes after I drove out, my phone rang. The car screen flashed Liam.
“Anne, your mom called me saying you’re going to pick her up? Then hurry up! The fireworks show is about to start...”
I simply laughed angrily, “Liam, you left my mom alone at a highway service area and you still have the nerve to rush me?”
The background noise on his end was loud and I could faintly hear his mom laughter. “Don't talk nonsense! How did I abandon your mom? I just told her to take the bus and come by herself.”
"She’s an adult, isn’t she? Can’t she read or buy a ticket? She always makes things complicated! We wasted half a day waiting for her at that service area. My mom’s already annoyed waiting!"
“Your mom's annoyed?” I repeated his words, my anger’s blazing overhead. "Liam Clark, that's my mom! Your mother-in-law! Just because you rushed to see the fireworks, you left an elderly woman alone at a highway rest stop where she’s unfamiliar with the place? Do you still have the heart?"
“Alright, alright, what’s the big deal? She’s not lost. You’re on your way to pick her up anyway, right?”
His tone was unsympathetic, “Hurry up and bring her over. I sent you the hotel address. Don't keep the whole family waiting for just two of you!”
“Family? Who says we're family?” I trembled with rage. “Liam, I’m warning you. If anything happens to my mom, I’ll never forgive you!!”
“Anne, are you out of control? You’re being ridiculous! This is unreasonable!” His voice grew impatient and sharp. “Come if you want, you’re ruining the mood!”
Then he hung up right away. Listening to the busy tone, I slammed my hands hard on the steering wheel.
An hour and a half later, I finally reached the service area. From a distance, I saw my mother sitting alone on a bench in the rest area and a staff member in uniform was standing beside her.
I rushed out before the car even stopped.
“Mom!”
“Anne!”
Seeing me, my mother immediately stood up, her eyes red. I hugged her tightly, feeling her body tremble slightly and my heart twisted with pain and sorrow.
I thanked the staff repeatedly and then helped my mom into the car. After fastening her seatbelt, I looked at her drained and frightened face. All my anger melted into heartache and guilt.
