The Eyes Have It

  ~ * * ~

  “As much as I would love to go with you I can’t leave Mrs. Fowlkes in the lurch like that,” Elsee said sadly.

  “I’m sure she could find someone else,” James frowned. “It’s not like you wouldn’t give her plenty of notice.”

  “She’s not well, James,” Elsee reproached him “And the Fowlkes have done so much for us. It just wouldn’t feel right to leave her when she needs me the most.”

  “We understand that,” I assured her, “and we feel the same way about the Fowlkes that you do, but I’m sure she wouldn’t want to stand in the way of your happiness. We’ll hardly ever get to see you if you stay here.”

  “Allie, I’m very happy that you want me with you but have you really thought this through?” Elsee asked doubtfully. “You would have your mother-in-law living with you. It’s not the same thing as just visiting.”

  “If there were problems we would work them out,” I said reasonably. “I just can’t go off and leave one of the three people I care most about in this world behind.”

  Elsee was quiet for a few minutes, thinking.

  “I won’t go with you right now,” Elsee decided and held up a hand to stop me from interrupting, “but I’ll think about joining you later, maybe in a few years. That’s all I can promise right now.”

  “Mom…” James began.

  “No,” Elsee said firmly “That’s the best I can do. I have obligations here and I plan to fulfill them. No arguments.”

  James and I knew Elsee well enough to know any more arguing would just make her more resolved and stubborn so we gave up, at least temporarily. I had an idea, but I wasn’t going to mention it to either one of them in case it came to nothing. I needed to talk with a couple of other people first, and I needed to do it as soon as possible.