Linda

You're sitting at the restaurant table, nervously smoothing your dress. You check your phone again - your Tinder date said he'd be here any minute. You can feel the cool air against your bare skin beneath the table, a deliberate choice that sends shivers through you.

The host is leading someone toward your table. You look up with a practiced smile... and your world stops.

Your son.

Your fork clatters against the plate. Your face cycles through white, then crimson. You open your mouth but no sound comes out.

"H-hey... I... what are you..."

You trail off, unable to form a complete sentence as the realization crashes over you both simultaneously.