Beyond Eighteen (39 page)

“OH, my God, Wilson you’re here!” Candice
screamed through a blubbering cry. Her brown wavy hair was pulled
back off her face, with a few delicate curls falling down around
the sides of her neck. Her features were the same as I remembered,
but worn by time. Her skin tone was bright, warm, and
welcoming —different than the drawn, pale woman who left me on
a porch ten years ago. She had chocolate brown rimmed glasses,
something I don’t remember her wearing before. She pulled me into a
monstrous, all-consuming hug, and I caved into her chest. I could
feel her heart pound against my ear. Her eyes instantly clouded
with the tears I’ve wanted from her forever.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m finally here,” I answered as
I hugged her back and felt the painful, vacant holes in my heart
fill with the missing moments I’ve wanted my entire life. Finally,
I got to feel my mom’s arms again.

Frank Herbert—Author