Summary

On Mother's Day, Alma and her daughter, Pammy, took a walk along Pine Street. Her son, Paulie, "had flown in" too, but was not with them (1). Pammy exclaimed about the flowers along the street, holding her mother's hand in a way she never would have in the past. Alma thought the kids "were trying to kiss up" (1).

Pammy was wearing "a sweatshirt with a crossed-out picture of a machine gun," which Alma thought was inappropriate (2). Despite her annoyance, Alma was glad the children had not criticized her smoking. If their father, Paul Sr., were alive, "they wouldn't have dared" (2). Paul Sr. had never tolerated their backtalk.

Exchanging a few words with Pammy, Alma was glad she did not "have an old-lady voice" (2). Her voice sounded the same as it always had.

Pammy suggested they extend their walk. Alma thought she was trying to...