I told Chi Chi I appreciated her and that I just needed to see Mama. Of course, she said to call if I needed anything and let me go. Mama was just as I imagined she’d be, in the deepest of doldrums. She loved dogs so much. Tofu was like her best friend, and she took her passing just as hard as any sim death. I hated seeing her so down. It made me even sadder.
“Mama, I’m so sorry. I just saw your message. What can I do? I wish I could have gotten here sooner.”
She pulled me in for a tight hug.
“Don’t beat yourself up, buddy. I know you have a life.”
“Come, sit,” she said.
We sat in silence for a while, and I felt like I needed to say something uplifting. But what? No amount of comforting words would bring Tofu back or make us feel better. This was just one of those things we would have to get through.
On my way over there, I sent Dad and text, telling him what happened and that I was going to be at Mama’s house for a while. He sent along his condolences, and I relayed them to her.
“Tell him I said thank you.”
But then she got up and walked away.
“W-where are you going?” I asked.
“Have dinner with me.”
She had grilled salmon leftovers, and I really hoped it wasn’t the same portion I made the last time I cooked there.
Mama had placed Tofu’s urn on the sideboard. I saw it in the periphery as I ate, and it made me think back on my life with Tofu. I was indifferent about having a pet back when Mama and Alessia fought about keeping her when Mama brought her home. But Tofu was determined to let Less and I know she loved us as well, even when we tried to ignore her. She used to join me in the pool. That’s when I started paying attention to her. Then, of course, I started bringing her on my morning jogs, and the rest is history.
Mama tried to make small talk, but the grief kept her in a gloomy haze. I got the hint, though. She wanted to hear me talk and find something to make her smile, so I caught her up on my life (minus the ladies…though she would love to hear about my predicament). I probably should have left out the frustrating business from that morning, but it still upset me. But she was still my mother, and despite how encumbered she was, she still found the strength to encourage me, saying not to let it worry me.
“It’s not a reflection of you or your skills.”
Though I knew she’d say something like that, I appreciated hearing it and hoped I had even half the strength she had.
After dinner, Mama left me to say goodbye to Tofu.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come see you much after I left, but I’m glad I got a chance to see you before… You were a good girl. The best. I’m so happy you came to us. Rest easy, my friend.”
Mama eventually came out from wherever she was hiding.
“You want me to stay with you?” I asked.
“No. You have things to do. I’ll be alright. And if not, I’ll call Dwayne.”
That was one nice benefit of being in a relationship, having that one person you could always count on for any and everything. I wish I was brave enough to…nevermind. Still a thought for another day.
