Siblings

'You should visit mum when you get a chance.'

I was gazing idly at the park. 'I do visit mum.'

'Yes, you should visit mum. It's good for her to see us. She remembers better if she sees us often.'

'I do go to visit.'

'I didn't say that you didn't.'

We lapse into a silence. Then I say, 'Do you have everything packed away?'

'For the move? Yes, most of it. It's going to be expensive though, all that overseas shipping.'

'How long now?'

'A week.'

'It's a long flight, isn't it?'

'Not too long. I'll be back in a few months I suspect. Yes, a few months and I'll be back as often as I can.'

'Well don't put yourself out.' I say.

For a while we don't talk.

Then she says. 'Just make sure to visit mum as often as you can.'

Paddy Dobson

9th February 2022