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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
A Mother's Pain
As a parent, I've learned of the pain that can come with being unable to shield my child from some hurt. It's a combination of helplessness, and fear, and guilt. I recall just days after my oldest (my son) was born, dreaming that my little one was in need of me, but that I couldn't get to him. Waking, with hot tears spilling, I received a message that wasn't exactly audible, but that was as real and true as though it had been. The simple words went something like this: "You might as well prepare yourself right here and right now. In this life, things will happen that will be out of your control. Try though you might, you simply will not always be able to be there in his times of need." It was a difficult thing to take in, but I knew it was true. Over the years, I've shared that experience with other new parents, especially when I find one who is unable to let go--even just a little. You see, I believe that we must. If we do not, we will suffocate our children--to their detriment. If we do, we may expose our children--to their detriment. Nina is experiencing some of that pain in this scene. Put another way, she is experiencing what we call "life."
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Tears welled in her eyes. She tried to hold them back as she rose to her feet. She approached her long-time friend and cohort. “You’re right, Nina,” she said, reaching for her.
Nina pulled away.
Mara followed. She took Nina’s hands in her own. “You’re right. I don’t know what you’re feeling. But I do know this: we can’t afford to lose Jules. We need his expertise. And I know that you don’t want harm to come to the twins any more than I do. You love them like your own. I know you do. And you know that we can’t afford to leave you here with Caden and Calandra without protection. Most of all, though, I don’t want to see your family divided.”
“So what’s good for you others, is good for me. Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
Mara looked down. “No, Nina, it’s not.” She looked back up. “I can’t even begin to understand the pain you’re going through.” She bit her lip. “Listen, I know it’s no consolation, but you thought you’d lost her. Now you know—”
“Don’t you dare!” Nina seethed. “Don’t you dare try to tell me that ‘all is well’ since she still lives. She is in Chiran. She is a slave. Can’t you understand what I’m saying? If she manages to break free, she’ll come here looking for us—looking for me! I have to be here.” She glanced her husband’s way and scowled. “And Jules belongs here. With me. With his children.”
Wincing, he approached.
Mara turned to him. “Please, may I have just one more minute with her . . . alone?”
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